For recipes using pesto , try our recipe finder. Evidence that the ancient Egyptians enjoyed peas comes from seed being discovered in the tombs at Thebes. Today's quality frozen peas are fine but British summertime brings fresh garden peas which are perfection boiled and coated in a little melted butter. In Italy they cook peas with rice or with small chunks of bacon and in France, too, they cook peas with bacon and add onions and chunks of carrot. Ham and pea soup is a British favourite as is serving fresh peas with duckling.
Older peas tend to be less tender than young ones and are best used to make soups or purees.
For more seasonal recipes using basil , hare or peas , try our recipe finder. Why not share your ideas with the message board .