To shell, pinch off the ends and pull the string down on the inside of the pod and pop the peas out. Wash edible pod peas and trim both ends. Remove the string from both sides of the pod. Cook briefly or serve raw. Vitamin C is easily destroyed by over cooking.
Peas freeze beautifully if they are fresh.
Fresh frozen peas do not need to be cooked upon thawing. Just add to soups, stews or heat briefly before serving. Since freezing does not improve the quality of any vegetable, it is important to start with fresh green pods. Avoid old tough pods as they will only get tougher during freezing. Meanwhile, wash, trim and string, pea pods.