The etiquette rules on how to serve and eat peas. Tips to be the ideal host or the perfect guest and avoid any embarrassment.
What peas etiquette is
Peas etiquette is the set of rules to properly serve and eat peas. Such rules help avoid behaviors that can disrespect your hosts or guests, or make you look unpolite.
If you are hosting, follow the etiquette to serve peas to your guests appropriately.
As a guest, respect the etiquette rules to properly eat peas at the dining table and avoid offending your hosts or embarrassing yourself.
What you should know about peas
Peas are a type of legume. They are widely cultivated and consumed around the world.
Peas come in many colors, such as green, yellow, and purple. They have a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. Peas are usually small and round in shape with a smooth texture.
Etiquette rules to serve and eat peas
1) How to store peas
It is best to store peas in a cool and dry place. Keep them far from sources of heat and direct light. Their ideal storing temperature is around 4°C and 10°C (40°F and 50°F). In the pantry, peas can last for up to 5 days.
To store peas in the fridge, place them in an airtight container or sealable bag. They can last for up to a week.
To freeze peas, it is best to blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Then, place them into an airtight container or freezer bag. In the freezer, peas can last for up to 8 months.
Store cooked peas in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container. Eat them within 3-5 days.
2) How to clean peas
To clean peas, wash them under cool running water. Remove any visible dirt or debris.
Peas that have turned bad may have a sour or rancid smell and may be discolored or mushy.
3) How to cook peas
Peas can be eaten raw or cooked. The most common ways to cook them are boiling, steaming, or roasting. Popular dishes with peas include pea soup, pea risotto, pea salad, shepherd’s pie, split pea soup, and pea and ham soup.
You can use peas in salads and sandwiches. They can also be blended into juices, smoothies, or purees.
4) How to serve & present peas
Peas are appropriate for most occasions. Such as formal or informal meals, breakfast, brunch, or snacks. You can serve them as a side dish, main course, appetizer, or even dessert.
You can serve peas warm or cold. Present them on a plate or bowl with a serving fork and spoon. You can accompany peas with a variety of seasonings. Such as salt, pepper, garlic, lemon, butter, and herbs like mint or thyme.
5) Food and wine to pair peas with
Peas pair well with many vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, onions, asparagus, corn, and tomatoes. Avoid pairing peas with fruits that are very sweet, such as watermelon or pineapple.
You can pair peas with cheese and dairy, such as mild feta, parmesan, or cream cheese. Avoid them with very strong or pungent cheeses.
Peas go well with a variety of meats, such as ham, bacon, and lamb. They also go well with fish like salmon or tuna. However, you should not pair them with very spicy or heavily seasoned meats or fish.
The flavor of peas pairs with many wines. Light or medium-bodied red wines, such as Pinot Noir. White wines, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. You can also pair peas with sparkling wine and beer.
6) How to eat peas
When eating peas, it is polite to use a fork or spoon. It is not polite to eat them with your fingers.
You should eat the whole pea. However, the tough outer skin that covers multiple peas should be removed.
Peas etiquette: the worst mistakes
Avoid the most common peas etiquette mistakes:
- 7/10. Not using the appropriate utensils to eat peas.
Additional information for properly serving peas
How many calories per serving?
Counting calories is important to stay healthy and correctly planning a menu.
Peas are low in calories and high in nutrients. A single serving of peas (about 100 grams) contains around 81 calories. A single pea contains only about 1 calorie.
How to buy the best peas
A crucial factor in peas etiquette is serving your guests the best product possible.
Season and availability
Peas are available all year round. However, in the Northern Hemisphere, peas are in season during the spring and summer months, from May to August.
Choose the best
In commerce, peas can be found in a variety of forms, such as fresh, canned, frozen, and dried. Fresh peas are typically available in the spring and summer.
The most popular varieties of peas include English peas, sugar snap peas, snow peas, and black-eyed peas. English peas are the most common variety. Sugar snap peas and snow peas are popular in stir-fries and salads. Black-eyed peas are a type of cowpea and are common in the United States Southern cuisine.
To buy the best peas, look for bright green pods that are firm and plump. Avoid pods with signs of wilting or any brown spots. When buying shelled peas, look for peas that are bright green and not discolored or shriveled. To buy dried peas, look for peas that are uniform in size and color.
Alternatives to peas
As a substitute for peas, try other legumes such as beans, green beans, lentils, and chickpeas.
Resources
- Peas Research: processvegetables.co.nz