Locally grown Peas are now in our Orchard Market store!
Green Peas come from the legume family and are recognized as one of the earliest cultivated food crops with its cultivation dating back thousands of years ago to the Himalayan plains of Northwest India. Before cultivation techniques changed in Europe in the 16th century ancient pea-eaters dried this legume for many centuries before figuring out they could be consumed fresh. Having storage of dried peas on hand saved many families from starvation during the middle ages. Today fresh, frozen canned and dried varieties are grown across the world. However, Canada is the world’s largest grower and exporter of peas growing nearly three million tons a year. The Canadian climate is ideal for peas due to their ability to withstand light frost; Green peas are considered an early crop.
With only 134 calories per cooked cup (117 raw) peas are great for maintaining a healthy diet. Or if you just want to add some sweet crunchy texture to your favorite salad or a soft and buttery side to a roast beef they are great for that too! Not only are they great eaten alone or as a tasty side, peas pack a lot of added health benefits. Peas are great for your immune system especially when eaten raw. A cup of raw peas has 58 milligrams of vitamin C which provides 65 percent of the daily requirement for men and 77 percent for women. Peas are also rich in B-vitamins which are a great natural source of energy. Peas are cholesterol free and low in fat and sodium. Each cup has about 8.5 grams of protein, which is more than twice as much protein as a tablespoon of peanut butter! A cup of cooked peas also has 9 grams of fiber, adding bulk to your meal and helping you feel full.
Fresh Ontario grown peas are now in stock at our Orchard Market store.
