Why Peas Are So Precious!
Every summer, we grow fresh peas on our allotment but the sad thing is that they never get as far as our kitchen!
They are so delicious that we always pick and eat them straight away - fresh from their pods.
But of course there is nothing wrong with that as there are so many health benefits from eating them fresh and raw...
- Vitamin C - Whether fresh or frozen, peas are a good source of vitamin C, helping to protect cells and keeping our skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage healthy while boosting our immune system.
- Manganese - Peas supply us with this which we need to make and activate certain enzymes in the body. These are essential for breaking down food during digestion, efficient liver function and many other bodily processes.
- Protein - Peas are high in fiber and a great source of plant protein - some 6.7 grams per 100 grams - helping to promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
- Weight Management - Their low-calorie content and high fiber content make peas a good choice for weight management.
- Heart Health - Peas are a great source of potassium, folate and of course the fiber already mentioned, all contributing to cardiovascular health.
- Blood Sugar Control - Peas have a low glycemic index, meaning they cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels.
- Eye Health - Peas contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that protect eye health.
- Bone Health - Peas are a good source of vitamin K, which is crucial for bone health. and helps to absorb vitamin D.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Peas are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, folate, B6, vitamin K, zinc, magnesium and iron.
- Antioxidant Properties: Peas contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
How to grow your own peas
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Choose a location in full sun and with well drained soil. Enrich the garden soil with organic matter before planting. Dig a trench a couple of inches deep and water well before sowing pea seeds during spring to summer or start with already established plants - available from your local Garden Center. The seeds are literally the size of the pea so very easy to work with.
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Choose from shelling, mangetout or sugar snap varieties, depending on your preference.
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Support developing pea plants with netting or sticks, as they will climb and need some structure.
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Harvest peas eleven to fifteen weeks after sowing, and pick them every day to encourage more pod production.
And don't forget to enjoy eating those peas freshly picked and raw!
Children love them too. It is a great way to get them to eat some fresh veggies!
SOURCES:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/8-plants-you-should-never-grow-too-close-to-your-peas
Written by Jane Chitty
Jane writes for Healing Natural Oils, a producer and retailer of high-quality, all-natural treatments for a variety of conditions as well as a range of beauty products. Apart from writing about those various conditions, she also covers general health, environmental and other subjects of interest. She has lived in Kenya as well as Cape Town, South Africa and spent time in San Diego, USA. She now lives in Somerset, England with regular visits from her far-flung children and grandchildren. She is a keen gardener and enjoys growing fresh fruit and vegetables with her husband on their joint allotment. As a result, there is something available to use in the kitchen virtually all year round. Her regular posts can be found on our blog.
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