Peas (Pisum sativum) aka: Garden Peas, English Peas, Snap Peas, and Snow Peas, are long light green pods with multiple inner seeds. The round green pea seeds are also commonly sold without their pods.
How to choose: If you are buying peas to consume the pod and the seeds then look for thin tender pods that are vibrant with no signs of wilting. If you plan on shelling the pea seeds then look for fatter pods with more mature seeds, it is OK if the outer pods look discolored as you will be shelling them anyway. If you are just buying the pea seeds then be sure the peas look round and firm. Fresh peas will roll on a table, old peas will sit still.
Climate and origin: Peas were widely cultivated among the ancient Greeks and Romans yet it is not known exactly where peas originated. Records show peas existing in the Mediterranean as far back as 7000 B.C. A cool-season crop peas survive better in temperate climates.
Taste: Taste depends on type and variety, but in general peas have a sweet earthy taste.
Vitamins and other nutrients: Peas are moderate in calories and a good source of vegetable protein, vitamins A, and C, Thiamin, Folate, Phosphorus, and Manganese.
Click here to compare these nutrition facts with other vegetables.
| Nutrition Facts |
| Peas Green Raw |
| Serving Size 100g |
| Calories 81 |
| % Daily Value* |
| Total Fat 0.4g | 1% |
| Saturated Fat 0.071g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 14.45g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber 5.1g | 20% |
| Sugar 5.67g | ~ |
| Protein 5.42g | ~ |
| Vitamin A | 15% | • | Vitamin C | 67% |
| Calcium | 3% | • | Iron | 8% |
| *Percent Daily Values
are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending
on your calorie needs. |
|
| Vitamins | %DV |
| Vitamin A 765IU | 15% |
| Retinol equivalents 38μg | ~ |
| Retinol 0μg | ~ |
| Alpha-carotene 21μg | ~ |
| Beta-carotene 449μg | ~ |
| Beta-cryptoxanthin 0μg | ~ |
| Vitamin C 40mg | 67% |
| Vitamin E 0.13mg | 0% |
| Vitamin K 24.8μg | 31% |
| Vitamin B12 0μg | 0% |
| Thiamin 0.266mg | 18% |
| Riboflavin 0.132mg | 8% |
| Niacin 2.09mg | 10% |
| Pantothenic acid 0.104mg | 1% |
| Vitamin B6 0.169mg | 8% |
| Folate 65μg | 16% |
| Folic Acid 0μg | ~ |
| Food Folate 65μg | ~ |
| Dietary Folate Equivalents 65μg | ~ |
| Choline 28.4mg | ~ |
| Lycopene 0μg | ~ |
| Lutein+zeazanthin 2477μg | ~ |
|
| Minerals | %DV |
| Calcium 25mg | 3% |
| Iron 1.47mg | 8% |
| Magnesium 33mg | 8% |
| Phosphorus 108mg | 11% |
| Sodium 5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 244mg | 7% |
| Zinc 1.24mg | 8% |
| Copper 0.176mg | 9% |
| Manganese 0.41mg | 21% |
| Selenium 1.8μg | 3% |
| Water 78.86g | ~ |
| Ash 0.87g | ~ |
| Useful Stats |
Percent of Daily Calorie Target
(2000 calories) |
4.05% |
| Percent Water Composition |
78.86% |
| Protein to Carb Ratio (g/g) |
0.38g |
|
Miscellaneous information: Peas are actually legumes but have been branded as vegetables in the culinary sense. The young tender peas popular today were first cultivated in Italy around the 1600th century and spread in popularity to replace dried and ground peas.
