So you like your produce frozen, not canned. Me too. Somethings are just better that way. Like broccoli. And peas.
Let's talk about those peas. Peas, they grow in pods. And when removing them from the pods, some become suicidal. They make a mad break thru the air and under the stove. Other peas have mommy issues, and try to rejoin the now-empty pods in the compost bowl. But if you're diligent, most peas will make it into the freezer (eventually).
Why blanch?
Blanching preserves color, nutrients, shape, and kills off invisible pests so that you can store your food for 4 months or longer. And it makes your food pretty. Who doesn't like pretty?
Step one (after you remove the peas from their pods): Wash your produce. Peas were inside pods, so I just rinse really well with warm water.
Step two: Bring water to a boil in a 2 quart or larger pan. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the rinsed peas.
Step three: Return to a boil. Boil the peas for 2 minutes. While this is happening on your stove, make a large bowl of ice water in your sink.
Step four: Imerse peas in the ice water for the same amount of time you boiled them (no more, no less).
Step five: Drain well, place in freezer container (I use freezer zip-loc bags) and freeze. Steam in microwave to eat!
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