How to blanch peas for long term storage.
I have been spending a lot of time in my garden this week, and it just makes me so happy! Gardening takes a lot of work and effort to get those little seeds to grow; but harvesting brings the greatest reward. This year we were excited to have a huge crop of peas. I’ve been freezing them so we can enjoy these peas throughout the entire year. I can’t wait to teach you today exactly how to freeze peas.
Peas are one of my favorite vegetable to grow. There is just something about shelling peas that warms my heart and brings some old fashioned nostalgia. Plus, you will never taste a pea as delicious as one straight from the garden, promise!
Freezing peas is the best way to preserve the sweet, fresh flavor you can only find from freshly picked peas. Plus, it’s so quick and easy to do!
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How To Blanch Peas
The first step to freezing peas is to blanch them. This word might sound a little scary if you’ve never heard it before, but it’s actually so simple!
Blanching is the process used to preserve vegetables flavor, color and texture. This is a necessary step when freezing vegetables, so please don’t skip it!
Wash Peas
Before blanching your peas make sure to give them a good wash. This can easily be done by rinsing them with cold water. Washing your peas will get rid of any lingering dirt or grime, which is important!
Boil Water
Once your peas are nice and clean it’s time to start the blanching process.
Over your stove bring a large pot of water to a roaring boil.
Boil Peas
When your water has reached a roaring boil, add your washed peas. Make sure you don’t add them before the water is fully boiling.
Return the water back to a boil and boil peas for 1.5 minutes. The timing is important. Set a timer to be sure you are exact. Remember, the timer should only begin once the water is back to a hard boil.
Prepare Cold Water
While your peas are boiling, prepare your cold water.
This is really easy to do! Simply fill a bowl with cold water and dump in some ice cubes. There aren’t exact measurements, all that matters is that the water is kept ice cold.
Add Peas To Cold Water
After the peas have boiled for 1.5 minutes, drain the hot water and immediately add the peas to the cold water bowl. Allow them to sit in the ice water for 1.5 minutes, or until they are completely cooled down.
How to Freeze Peas
If you have made it this far, congrats! You have finished blanching your peas! Now, all you need to do is freeze them (don’t worry it’s so quick!).
Divide Blanched Peas Into Freezer Bags
When freezing peas you can either use freezer bags or a vaccuum sealer. I have used both, but find myself using the freezer bags more often. They are a little bit easier to pull out, but a vacuum sealer does a better job of getting air out, which is important. does get out more air. The choice is yours!
Drain your peas one last time and then get out your freezer bags (or vacuum sealer depending on what you are using).
Divide your peas into dinner sized portions for your family. I put about 1.5 cups into each bag, because that is how much my family will eat with one meal.
Seal Bags
Lastly, you will need to get all of the air out of the bag. This is very important to prevent freezer burn.
I like to lay the bag flat on the counter and use both of my hands to slowly get the air out, and then quickly close the baggie.
Once the air is out, write the contents and date on your bag and throw it into the freezer.
You are done! Enjoy your fresh and delicious peas year round!
In Conclusion
Freezing peas is so easy! I love to do it while I’m watching a good movie or talking with my kids. Trust me, if I can do it, you can do it!
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