Peas

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

The peas / Pisum Sativum / is a biological species, a plant of the legume family. It is grown as a home crop and used for food around the world. From a botanical point of view the pea plant it is actually a fruit, but in cooking it is used as a vegetable. The common cultivated pea is an annual herbaceous plant, but there are also wintering forms, which are quite incorrectly called winter.

History of peas

It is considered that garden peas have their origins from Central Asia and Europe. In fact, it is even mentioned in the Bible and is praised by the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece and Rome.

Green peas was not so popular until the 16th century, when new cultivation techniques led to the creation of new varieties and it began to be consumed fresh. In China, where consumption of peas dates back to 2000 BC. both the beans and the pods of this vegetable are beginning to be consumed.

King Louis XIV of France popularized peas in the 17th century, making them a staple on the menu for palace parties. Snow peas are thought to have been cultivated in the Netherlands at the time. The peas are imported in the United States during the settlement of the first colonizers.

In the 19th century peas play an important role during the first genetic tests. A monk and botanist, Gregor Mendel used peas in his plant breeding experiments.

In 1970, the crunchy one was cultivated peas as a result of a cross between garden and snow peas. Today, the largest producers and traders of fresh peas are the United States, Britain, China, Hungary and India.

Composition of peas

Green peas are a very good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, dietary fiber, folate and thiamine (vitamin B1). It is also a source of vitamin A, phosphorus, vitamin B6, protein, niacin, magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), copper, iron, zinc and potassium.

160 gr. peas contain 134.4 calories and 8.58 grams of protein. Green peas contain and natural substances called purines. Peas contain a large amount of folic acid vitamins.

Types of peas

There are three acquaintances kind of peas: garden or green peas, snow / white peas and crispy peas. Green peas has a delicious taste, wonderful texture and is rich in healthy nutrients.

Garden peas there are rounded pods, which are usually slightly curved, with a smooth texture and green color. Inside are green peas, which are sweet and rich in starch. The pods of snow peas are flatter and more transparent than those of the garden.

Crispy peas is a cross between garden and snow and has more rounded pods with a crispy texture. Snow and crispy pea pods are edible and have a sweeter taste than peas.

Selection and storage of peas

The peas is one of the few members of the legume family that is sold fresh, but this is only about 5% of the peas grown, the rest is offered frozen or canned. Frozen peas are more preferred than canned ones because they retain their flavors and have a lower sodium content.

Peas are available from spring to early winter. Snow peas can usually be found all year round in Asian stores. While crispy peas are more limited, from late spring to early summer.

To store fresh peas, it is necessary to freeze them in order to preserve the sugar content, which prevents them from turning into starch. Another way to store it is to blanch the peas for one or two minutes and then freeze them.

Peas in cooking

Nowadays, peas are mostly eaten boiled or steamed. In this way, the cell walls of the grains are torn, which in turn makes the peas even tastier.

Fresh peas can be used in a variety of vegetable dishes and salads; is part of many dishes with peas; in soups, pea stew, casserole with peas, pork with peas, chicken with peas, and why not lean peas.

Peas are the first vegetable to be canned. In addition to canned, it can also be frozen. Emphasizes the taste of meat and potato dishes. Peas are added to many Chinese fried dishes, such as rice.

Benefits of peas

Green peas provides nutrients that are important for maintaining bone strength. It is a source of vitamin K, parts of which our body converts into K2, which activates osteocalcin, the main protein in bone, which releases calcium molecules inside the bone.

Green peas also serves as a very good source of folic acid and vitamin B6. They help reduce the increase in a metabolic by-product called homocysteine, which can prevent the cross-linking of collagen, which leads to poor intercellular substance in the bones and osteoporosis.

The folic acid and vitamin B6 in green peas are also supportive of the cardiovascular system. The elements in the composition of vegetables reduce the levels of bad cholesterol and provide the body with enough antioxidants and other nutrients necessary for good heart health. Contained in green peas vitamin K. it is a means of helping the blood to clot.

Green peas is one of the main foods that is necessary to include in a person's diet if he often feels tired. This is because it provides nutrients that support the body's energy-producing cells and systems. Peas are a dietary food, which you can safely include in your menu if you have decided to lose a few pounds and get in shape. It is low in calories and rich in fiber and healthy fats. Pea puree quickly satisfies hunger and gives a feeling of satiety for a long time.

Stimulates good digestion, speeds up metabolic processes in the body and ensures the stability of blood sugar levels. That is why the consumption of vegetables reduces the risk of developing diabetes, and in already developed diabetes, allows control of the disease.

Green peas are also a good source of thiamine-vitamin B1, vitamin B6, riboflavin-vitamin B2 and niacin-vitamin B3, each of which contains substances necessary for carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism.

Green peas also contain iron and minerals necessary for the normal formation of blood cells, the deficiency of which leads to anemia, fatigue and reduces the immune system. In addition, green peas are also a very good source of vitamin C, which protects the body's energy-producing cells and systems from free radicals and prevents cancer.

Eat peas for the prevention of eye diseases and problems. Thanks to its lutein content, the legume takes care of the health of the eye cells and helps to properly filter the light. Consumption of peas can protect you from vision loss with age.

With the prepared pea porridge or puree can treat skin problems and diseases such as eczema, acne, purulent wounds. Face and body masks with pea flour, on the other hand, contribute to the good appearance of the skin, its hydration, but also the removal of excess oil, in case you have oily skin type.

Consumption of peas is especially important for women. In addition to rejuvenating the skin and taking care of hair growth, vegetables promote the proper functioning of the reproductive organs. It is useful for menstruation, creating discomfort.

It is recommended during pregnancy moderate consumption of peas. The expectant mother receives more quality sleep, less stress and irritation. Folic acid takes care of the healthy nervous system of the fetus, and calcium and potassium - for the skeletal.

Attention! Consumption of peas during breastfeeding is not recommended, as it can adversely affect babies, causing colic, constipation, diarrhea and other types of discomfort!

As for men, eating peas helps build muscle mass, restores energy after intense strength training and takes care of prostate health. Peas promote good genital activity.

Harm from peas

Problems with peas can be experienced by people who suffer from allergies to legumes and gastrointestinal diseases that require reduced fiber intake with food. People who have kidney problems or gout should limit or avoid eating foods that contain purines.

For the main pea deficiency the possible increased emission of gases is also considered. However, in people with a healthy stomach and moderate use of vegetables, this problem can be avoided.