Do you have Snow Peas ready for harvest?
Good then you are in the right place!
Do you have a plan ready for after the harvest?
Yes, then you can just jump down to the recipes below!
No?
Perfect! Want to know how to plan for beyond the harvest with snow peas?
Then I am here to help!
I'm going to explain the ins and outs of when and how to harvest your snow peas but more importantly I am going to share with you the steps needed to go beyond the harvest. I'm going to show you how to have snow peas on your plate today AND in the middle of January!
Today, I'm going to be using my 4-step strategy that can be found in this blog post!
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Proverbs 16:3
When Do I Harvest My Peas?
Picking your snow peas at their peak is your goal and that comes with knowing the perfect time to pick. Here is how:
Snow Peas will be ready to harvest in approximately 55 to 70 days after sowing. You can find the exact days to maturity on the back of your seed packet.
If you know your planting date you can easily find your estimated harvest date. For example: if you sowed your snow peas on April 15th then your estimated harvest date, with 55 days to harvest, would be June 9th.
This is when you should begin observing your snow peas for signs of harvest.
Snow pea pods should be immature and still flat -before peas in the pods begin to fill out.
Harvest them every other day to keep pods from becoming large and starchy.
Your pea’s sweet taste will tell you when they are ready (I love eating them as an in the garden snack)
Snow Peas are best grown in the late spring and/or Autumn when temps are around 60° to 70°. Peas do not take the heat!
How To Harvest Snow Peas
Once your peas are ready to harvest they are going to need to be picked in just the right way. Here is how:
Harvest peas with two hands. One hand holds the vine and the other pinches the stem just above the seed pod and gives a slight tug. I like to use my thumb fingernail to slightly cut the stem when I pinch it.
It is important you don't pull too vigorously as you may break the thin tendrils the plant uses for support.
Snow peas are best picked in the morning when they will be crisp & crunchy for fresh eating. (You caught me! I love eating snow peas as I pick them)
They should be cooled quickly to preserve their freshness and sweet taste. The sugar in snow peas, all peas really, quickly turns to bland starch after harvest unless cooled.
Keep plants picked to increase your harvest.
Also keep them well watered through your harvest period.
How To Preserve Your Snow Peas
Freezing is the best way to preserve your peas to last you through the winter. I personally don’t blanch them. Here is how to best use snow peas:
eat or store shortly after picking to preserve that sweet taste.
trim ends off snow peas just before cooking and freezing.
Store peas in the fridge if you plan to use that evening. They will last about 5 to 7 Days in a sealed plastic bag
to preserve for the winter: wash the trim peas, blanch for 2 minute, and place in a sealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal. Label with name, date and place directly in the freezer. (Fill bags with however much your recipes on your menu plan need. I usually store 1 cup in each bag.)
How To Cook Frozen Snow Peas
To cook a bag of peas for a tasty side dish:
bring a few cups of water to a boil. Enough to cover the amount of peas you will be cooking.
Once water is at a rolling boil, carefully pour peas from the bag into the water.
Stir them gently and let boil, uncovered, for about 2 to 5 minutes.
Peas are done when they are warmed through and just slightly crunchy
Drain water and enjoy!
My favorite way to use frozen snow peas is in my recipe Honey Snow Peas. This can be served on the side or you can add cubed beef or chicken to make a great stir fry; they can also be served on rice. Both recipes are included below.
The next step is to add the above and more recipes to your menu plan. I got you started, now, have fun planning!
Pray, Just Plant
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