Pisum sativum Plein le panier

The Pois Plein le Panier is a variety of dwarf shelling peas with round grains. It offers slightly curved, pointed pods on 60 cm (24in) tall plants, containing 7 to 8 large, somewhat square and flattened grains. As its name suggests, this Pea is very productive. It can be sown from October to November in mild climates or from February to April, and harvested from April to July.

The pea is an annual vegetable plant with a very ancient origin in the Near East. It is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables in Europe and Asia and was long consumed in its dry, crushed form before cooking. Its fresh consumption is relatively recent, and its nutritional and taste qualities make it an excellent spring vegetable.

There are many varieties, both dwarf and climbing (pole) peas, producing pods containing round, wrinkled, or smooth grains. Either the pod needs to be shelled, or it can be consumed whole.

For "shelling peas," the pod is not good for consumption as it is parchment-like, similar to green beans; therefore, it needs to be shelled. This category offers the widest range of choices in all sizes. Among "shelling peas," we distinguish between wrinkled peas, which are sweeter and tolerate heat better, and smooth or round peas, which are more suitable for early cultivation as they are hardier and less sensitive to humidity. In the vegetable garden, smooth peas are sown first, and wrinkled peas are sown later.

The "mangetout" or "gourmand" pea, whose pod is not parchment-like, is edible in its entirety when harvested before the complete formation of the seeds. Later on, it can be shelled to be consumed as a fresh garden pea.

There are also crunchy peas, which are sweeter, and both the peas and their pods are consumed.

Peas thrive in mild and humid climates. They are sensitive to extremes: heat, frost, water scarcity, and excess.

Harvest

Depending on the earliness of the varieties, peas are harvested between two and a half and four months after sowing.

Pick shelling peas when the pods are well-filled (about twice a week), but still green.

Storage

Fresh peas can be stored, unshelled, for 48 hours in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator.

The round peas have a finer taste and their beautiful appearance is better suited for canning or freezing.

Gardening tip

Peas, like all plants in the Fabaceae family, enrich the soil with nitrogen. They are part of a four-year rotation. Peas are low-nutrient-demanding plants. Peas also pair well with carrots, celery, cabbage, turnips, potatoes, and radishes as they protect each other. Avoid the presence of alliums or fennel as their growth inhibits each other.