Previous | Next

Pea Shoots are the first few leaves and tendrils produced when a pea plant starts to grow. They can be from any pea plant, though they are most often snow pea shoots.

Each shoot will be 3 to 4 inches (7 1/2 to 10 cm) high. They are sold in bunches, with the thin tendrils snaking through them.

Pea Shoots adds texture, and a sweet, light pea flavour.

As they are so perishable, Pea Shoots are expensive.

In the fall of 2004, Sainsbury's supermarket in the UK started to carry them packed in plastic clam shells.

Cooking Tips
If your Pea Shoots seem a bit limp before using them, crisp them up by soaking for a few minutes in cold water.

Discard any woody-looking stems.

Pea Shoots can be used fresh in salad.

If you cook with them, cook them lightly. They can be cooked by steaming or stir-frying,

Storage
Pea Shoots are very perishable. Plan to use them the day you buy them, or at most, store in the refrigerator for a day or two covered with a dry paper towel.

Also called:

See Also:

Peas

Other entries for:

Sprouts
Alfalfa Sprouts, Bamboo Shoots, Buckwheat Grass, Buckwheat Sprouts, Fenugreek Sprouts, Oat Sprouts, Pea Shoots, Soybean Sprouts

Other entries for:

Vegetables
Agave, Artichokes, Asparagus, Brassica Family, Canned Vegetables, Cardoons, Celery, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Frozen Vegetables, Garlic, Gourds, Horseradish Tree, Leafy Vegetables, Lotus, Mixed Vegetables, Mushrooms, Pak Wan, Peas, Peppers, Root Vegetables, Sago Palm, Seaweed, Spinach, Squash, Tomatoes, Viscous Vegetables