Featured Local Source: Iacopi Farms

Half Moon Bay

Vibrant green peas make their debut at markets in March and remain available through early fall thanks to the mild coastal climate of San Mateo County and Iacopi Farms’ commitment to multiple plantings of English and sugar snap peas every 10–20 days.

Two types of peas are commonly available: English peas, which are pods that contain a row of peas and must be shucked, and sugar snap peas, which aren’t as plump and don’t have to be shucked. Look for a bright green color and a crisp look. Yellow-looking pods indicate the peas are starting to dry and get starchy. Peas are best eaten within 24 hours of purchase but will last up to one week kept in the refrigerator. 

When cooking peas, a simple treatment allows their flavor and sweetness to shine. Strings should be removed by cutting into the stem end of the pea, lifting the string and pulling it down to the blossom end. Peas can be steamed, boiled or stir-fried and made into soups and tossed into salads and pastas.