Peas
- The average pea weighs between 0.1 and 0.36 grams.
- The pea is only green when eaten because it is picked when still immature. A ripe pea is more yellow in colour.
- Only five per cent of peas grown are sold fresh. Most are either frozen or canned.
- A 100-calorie serving of peas (three quarters of a cup) contains more protein than a whole egg or tablespoon of peanut butter.
- Green peas are one of the most nutritious leguminous vegetables, rich in health benefiting phyto-nutrients, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants.
- Peas are relatively low in calories on comparison with beans, and cowpeas. 100 g of green peas provide only 81 calories, and no cholesterol.
- Fresh green peas also contain adequate amounts of anti-oxidants flavonoids such as carotenes, lutein and zea-xanthin as well as vitamin-A.
- In addition to folates, peas are also good in many other essential B-complex vitamins such as pantothenic acid, niacin, thiamin, and pyridoxine. Furthermore, they are rich source of many minerals such as calcium, iron, copper, zinc, and manganese.
- Fresh pea pods are excellent source of folic acid.
- Fresh green peas are very good in ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
- Garden peas are also good in vitamin K.