What's In Season? Peas Please!

October is officially upon us, which means the start of spooky season and fall comfort meals are here. Perhaps a bit of an unexpected and unsung hero of the fall dinner table is the pea! Southern California’s peak pea season is in the fall, so it’s the perfect time to get some and use them in new and exciting ways.

Peas are thought to have originated in the Middle East —specifically near modern-day Turkey and Iraq— around 6,000 BCE. They rapidly spread from the Middle East to Europe, including France, where the “father of modern genetics,” Gregor Mendel, used them to understand inheritance, which led directly to the discovery of modern genetics.

Peas not only have an interesting backstory but are also packed with vital nutrients. These legumes are full of potassium, dietary fiber, protein, magnesium, iron, and vitamins C, K, and B6. Research also shows that they may help prevent chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.

Now, if you have only eaten peas as a steamed side dish on Thanksgiving, you may be surprised to hear just how versatile they can be. Peas can be added to a plethora of salads, including pasta or chicken salad, added to stews, pureed into pasta sauces or soups, stirred in while cooking risotto, mashed into guacamole as a fat substitute, eaten raw, and many other delicious options. When it comes to preparation, don’t be afraid to try something new this season…you will surely be appeased!