But frozen peas also have wonderful flavorand save you a ton of work in the kitchen.
The key to preserving the wonderfully sweet flavor and crisp texture of peas is to barely cook them.
Saute snow peas in sesame oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and salt.
Outside of growing your own, a farmstand or farmers' market is your best bet.
For all three varieties, choose pods that are crisp, glossy and bright green, with fresh-looking ends.
Avoid pods that are dull, faded, yellowing, blemished, limp or overly mature.
Shell right before cooking.
Store snow peas and sugar snap peas in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
English peas require shelling before you cook them.
Rinse snow peas and sugar snap peas in a colander under cool running water.
(Check outThe Best Way to Store Fruits and Veggieshere.)
Cover and cook until tender-crisp, 2 to 4 minutes; drain.
Toss with butter, salt and chopped fresh tarragon.
Microwave
Place 3 cups shelled English peas in a microwave-safe bowl.
Add 2 tablespoons water.
Cover and microwave on High for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring once.
For snow peas or sugar snap peas, place 2 cups peas in a microwave-safe bowl.
Add 2 tablespoons water.
Cover and microwave on High until tender-crisp, 2 to 4 minutes.
Drain and season as desired.
Serves 6 (English peas) or 2 (snow peas or sugar snap peas).
Steam
Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a saucepan fitted with a steamer basket.
Add shelled English peas.
Cover and steam until tender-crisp, 10 to 12 minutes.
Toss with olive oil, salt and freshly grated lemon zest.
Peas should be blanched (briefly cooked in boiling water) before freezing.
Add the peas; cover, return to a boil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
Transfer the peas to a large bowl of ice water.
Drain well; pat dry.
Spread the peas in a single layer on a large baking sheet and freeze until solid.
If frozen properly, they retain their texture and sweetness far better than most other frozen veggies.
To reheat on the stovetop, steam in a steamer basket for 2 to 3 minutes.
Try tossing 1 cup of peas into pasta, rice or quinoa.
