How to save green peas for the winter: we protect the crop from damage in three different ways

Green peas are a versatile product that is added to many dishes and consumed separately. In this article, you will learn three main ways to save green peas for the winter so that they do not lose their taste and useful qualities.

Which peas are suitable for long-term storage

Green pea varieties are divided into three groups:

1. Sugar... The name doesn't quite match the taste of the peas. It's actually not that sweet, it just lacks a hard layer in its pulp. It becomes tasty only in the process of culinary processing.
2. Brain or peeling - the most common. These are already really sweet peas, which are ideal for storage, canning and fresh consumption.
3. Fodder... Used for industrial cultivation, the taste is mediocre. For a vegetable garden, such varieties are not recommended - the costs of money and time are the same, but the result will not please.

When and how to pick peas correctly

In order for green peas to delight you with their taste all winter, you need to pick them correctly. The main thing is to do it on time. The pods should be green, without spots and yellow mesh, and the peas should be fully ripe... If the pods are flat, the peas are still small and too tender to pick. If a mesh has already appeared on the pods, then the peas are overripe, they are no longer so juicy and sweet. Withered pods speak of dried peas.

Attention! Peas are harvested several times a season in dry, sunny weather. Excessive moisture will make the pods damp and start to rot.

Storing peas in pods and without

Peas can be stored and consumed in pods... Sugar varieties are suitable for this. In this case, it is not necessary to wait until the peas are fully ripe.

Collect the pods, put them in plastic bags and store them in the refrigerator for no more than 1 week. Then the peas will start to deteriorate. Its taste changes already on the second day of storage, since the sugar in the grains turns into starch.

Note! Drying, freezing and preserving are equally suitable for peas and whole pods.

How to properly dry peas

Peas are properly prepared before drying:

1. We rinse it under running water.
2. We fall asleep in boiling water for 2 minutes.
3. We throw it back in a colander and send it to cold water (to preserve a fresh green color).
4. Then again put the peas in boiling water for 1 minute.
5. We take out and lay out on paper towels to dry.

Dried peas at home in three ways:

• Without the use of special heating. We use large areas to lay out the peas in one layer. The air must be dry and the room well ventilated, otherwise the fruits will rot.
• In the oven. Place the peas in one layer on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. We send it to the oven, preheated to + 45 ° С for 2-3 hours. We leave the door a little ajar for air circulation.
• In an electric dryer. We install all trays in it, regardless of the amount of peas. We dry it for 6-8 hours at a temperature of + 60 ° С. Peas with this method can be used raw, without blanching.

Determine the readiness of dried peas by their appearance and touch... It becomes wrinkled, dark green in color.The surface is velvety to the touch; when compressed, there should be no air chambers inside. If the peas are still soft, then they are not dry yet. But peas should not be as hard as a stone.

Frozen peas correctly

Freezing guarantees the freshness of the product during the entire shelf life... You can freeze both grains and pods completely. Both must be intact, without defects. We choose ripe, fleshy and tender grains. If you decide to freeze peas, start this procedure 1-2 hours after picking.

The stage for preparing the beans is the same as for drying.... Blanch (alternately dip the fruits in boiling water and cold water) as desired. Sprinkle the washed and dried peas on a tray or pallet in one layer and send them to the freezer.

Since freezing is a quick matter, you can freeze in batches: while one is in the freezer, we are preparing the next one. To do this, you can use ice molds: distribute the peas, fill with water and send them to the freezer.

Pea pods are frozen in the same way... Not quite ripe specimens are chosen, washed, allowed to dry and sent for quick freezing. If desired, you can cut the pods in half and use them without defrosting to prepare the first courses.

Canning green peas: the best recipes

The third common way to store peas is canning or pickling... This will take longer, but your homemade canned green peas are a great alternative to store-bought ones. After all, you make it with your own hands and from proven ingredients.

For conservation choose large, dense, ripe peas without damage. Preparation with this method is extremely simple. Peas are peeled from the pods and washed under running water.

The simplest recipe for conservation

Here the easiest way to preserve peasrequiring a minimum of ingredients:

1. For 1 kg of peas we take 1 liter of water and 1 tbsp. l. salt.
2. Put the washed peas in boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes. Remove the resulting foam.
3. We drain the water, rinse the peas in warm water. If bursting peas are found, remove them, otherwise the brine will become cloudy.
4. Pour peas into sterilized jars with a volume of 0.5 liters and fill with brine. Add ¼ tsp to each jar. 9% vinegar.
5. We roll up the lids, turn the cans upside down and leave to cool. After that, we put the jars in the refrigerator or cellar for storage.

Citric acid preservation recipe

If you don't want to use vinegar, there is a good way to substitute citric acid for it. 600 g of peas will require 1 l of water, 10 g of citric acid, 50 g of salt and sugar each:

1. We put a saucepan on the fire, pour water, add salt and sugar to it. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
2. We pour in the peas and wait for it to boil.
3. Reduce the heat, cook for another 15–20 minutes, constantly shaking the pan. It is forbidden to stir the peas, so you can crush the grains. Do not forget to remove the burst peas.
4. At the end of cooking, add citric acid.
5. Using a slotted spoon, lay out the peas in the jars (we leave about 1.5 cm to the top) and fill with marinade from the same pan.
6. We roll up the jars with sterile lids and turn them over to cool. You can cover with a blanket.

Recipe for Canning Whole Pods

You can also prepare peas not peeled from pods in this way. Wash them thoroughly under running water and thenlet's start pickling:

1. Soak 0.5 kg of pea pods in cold water for 2 hours.
2. Drain it and add boiling water for 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour in 5 g of citric acid.
4. Put the pods in prepared sterile jars (vertically). We pour in 5 tbsp. l. salt (for all cans). Add peppercorns and a cinnamon stick to taste.
5. In a separate bowl, boil 5 tbsp. water, dissolve 3 tbsp in it. l. sugar and 400 ml of 3% acetic acid.
6. Fill jars of peas with ready-made brine and cover with lids.
7. We send them for sterilization over low heat in boiling water for 20 minutes.
8. Now you can roll up the cans, turn over and cover. Store in a cellar or refrigerator.

Storage conditions and periods

Dried peas can be stored for several years if the necessary conditions are met:

1. In a dry and dark place. Direct sunlight is not allowed.
2. Indoor temperature - no higher than 25 ° С. Do not store dry peas over the stove.
3. The packaging must be airtight. Glass jars, plastic containers, cloth bags will do. The main thing is to prevent insects from entering, otherwise the peas will have to be thrown away.
4. It is advisable to use dried peas within 1 year.

Frozen peas can be stored for 8 to 10 months if:

• storage temperature from –6 to –10 ° С;
• immediately after freezing, the peas are poured into bags - it is better to divide it into small portions so as not to defrost it in vain, since the useful qualities of the product will be lost.

Canned peas can be stored for up to 2 years if:

• jars are thoroughly sterilized before being sent to the refrigerator or basement;
• temperature - from +5 to + 20 ° С, depending on the ingredients used - the vinegar in the composition increases the shelf life.

Useful Tips

Armed with our advice, you will know how to store peas longer and what to do in unforeseen situations:

1. If you decide to dry the peas, place a small bag of salt at the bottom of each jar or container. This will protect it from moisture and extend the shelf life.
2. Check dry peas regularly (at least once a month) for insects. Do not rinse it, it is better to throw it away immediately, since fruits infected with insects are unsuitable for food.
3. Spread a small amount of peas into the sachets in one layer. Then transfer them with sheets of paper. This is to prevent the peas from sticking together.
4. If you find that the jars have begun to ferment, rinse the peas and transfer them to others, filling with new brine.

Conclusion

Depending on your preferences, choose any kind of harvesting green peas for the winter. You will not only enjoy its taste for a long time, but you will also delight your body with a portion of vitamins and beneficial microelements.