Pea Shoots

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 for Pea Shoots

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 Hints for Pea Shoots

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.

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Also called:

Pisum sativum (Scientific Name); Tobyo (Japanese); Dau miao, Dau miu, Dow miu, Wen dou miao (Chinese)

See Also: Peas

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