purple podded peas

[purplekat]

I got some purple podded peas in a seed swap this year - They've grown very well and are now huge with loads of pods on, trouble is they're quite bitter when eaten raw so I'll need to cook them.
Question is when do I pick them for cooking? I normally just eat them in the garden straight out of the pod so have no idea.

[Snadger]

If they are a bit tasteless I would say you've left them too long and they can only be used once cooked. Mine are lovely and sweet like petite pois when picked young.......infact they can be used as mange tout when young!

[Flummery]

I use them as mangetout as well Snadger. They are a bit bitter and mealy in texture when they get older. However, all is not lost! Leave them on the plant to dry and enjoy purple mushy peas. Be the envy of your friends!

[Two_Sheds]

We have been eating them small and sweet, but they have a definite bitter aftertaste.

They are all now being frozen for adding to paella, risottos etc

[Hazel at the Hill]

My 'stephens' purple podded peas (thanks HW!) are mealy and not great when eaten straight from the pod (what a disappointment that was!) however, shelled and in boiling water for 3-4 minutes with a spring of mint and served with a knob of butter, they are super dooper.

Pick 'em when they look like this...

[purplekat]

Thanks, I tried some of the young ones both as mange tout and podded but they had the bitter aftertaste too. Don't think I'll be getting purple mushy peas though as the peas themselves seem to be the normal green.
Think I'll try and cook a few when at a useful size and then save some to dry

[Flummery]

They are normal green now. When dried to a brown colour then soaked with a pinch of bicarb - like me Ma used to do - then cooked till soft they are purplish/brown and very entertaining altogether!

[WeeGarden]

My 'stephens' purple podded peas (thanks HW!) are mealy and not great when eaten straight from the pod (what a disappointment that was!) however, shelled and in boiling water for 3-4 minutes with a spring of mint and served with a knob of butter, they are super dooper.

Pick 'em when they look like this...

Hi Hazel,

I've just received the seed swap parcel and it has some of your 'Stephens' and 'Yorkshire Lad' purple podded peas in it (thanks!). I can't decide between the two and was wondering if either of them can be eaten as a mange tout? Have you tried this?