Today, we’re talking about how to store sugar snap peas, those delightful, crunchy veggies that add a pop of sweetness and color to our meals.
Have you ever found yourself standing at the produce section of the grocery store looking at the produce, wondering how to know if those snap peas are good and how do I keep them fresh?
That was me not long ago, which caused me to seek out the actual experts and find the answers. Thankfully, the answers are quick and easy.
However, I did learn something crucial about keeping veggies fresh. It all starts with you standing at the grocery store picking out the best sugar snap peas so that they have a chance to last longer in your kitchen.
Let’s dive in!
How To Store Sugar Snap Peas
There are two primary ways to store sugar snap peas. The first way is to store them in the refrigerator crisper drawer for up to 6 days. There are a few crucial key steps to follow, but they are simple. The second way to store them is to freeze them. They will stay good for up to 8 months when you freeze them.
How To Pick Out Sugar Snap Peas
The first and most important step in storing sugar snap peas is to pick out fresh snap peas at the grocery store. Look for sugar snap pea pods that are bright green and firm. Avoid peas that are discolored, have spots, or look wilted. Please take a moment to pick out fresh peas to last longer at home.
Here’s a quick checklist for picking out snap peas:
- Bright green color
- Firm texture
- No blemishes or spots
- Slight rattle when shaken
How To Tell If Sugar Snap Peas Have Gone Bad
Sugar snap peas that have gone bad will have a yellow or brown color, a slimy or wrinkly texture, and a sour smell. They may also have black or brown spots on them. If you see any of these signs, it’s best to discard the peas.
Here’s a quick checklist to determine if your snap peas have gone bad:
- Yellow or brown color
- Brown or black spots
- Slimy texture
- Wrinkly texture
- Sour smell
How To Store Sugar Snap Peas In The Refrigerator
You can store sugar snap peas in the refrigerator and keep them fresh for up to 6 days. To store sugar snap peas, you will store them in a plastic bag in the fridge’s crisper drawers. Line the bag or container with a dry paper towel to absorb moisture.
Checklist For Storing Sugar Snap Peas:
- Choose fresh sugar snap peas; they should be vibrant green and firm.
- Do not wash them before storage.
- Prepare a plastic bag or container for storage.
- Line the bag or container with a dry paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
- Place the sugar snap peas into the lined bag or container.
- Store the bag or container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
- Ensure proper sealing of the bag or container.
Very Important Note: Don’t wash the sugar snap peas until you’re ready to use them.
Can You Freeze Sugar Snap Peas?
For long-term storage, you can freeze your sugar snap peas. First, blanch them by briefly boiling and then immediately cooling them in ice water. This process helps to preserve the peas’ color, texture, and flavor.
After blanching, dry the peas thoroughly and pack them into freezer-safe bags or containers. That way, your sugar snap peas will last up to 8 months in the freezer.
How Long Do Raw Snap Peas Last?
Raw sugar snap peas will last up to 6 days when they are stored properly in the refrigerator. Remember, the key to maintaining their freshness is to store them unwashed, in a flat position, and in an airtight bag lined with a dry paper towel.
The bottom line
Proper storage of sugar snap peas can significantly extend their freshness and flavor, whether you plan to use them within a few days or over several months. The most important tip you must remember is to not wash them before storing your sugar snap peas.
