Purple hull peas are similar to black eyed peas but with a creamier texture. Easy to grow and store well in the freezer, these gems often call for adding an animal such as ham hock or bacon as part of their preparation, adding extra depth of flavor when prepared in broth or water.
Pea pods and seeds are also an integral component of hoppin’ john, a classic southern dish which typically combines rice, a delicious sauce, and pork into one delicious bite.
Blanching
Purple hull peas are a delicious staple food in the South. Rich in protein, fiber and vitamins A and C, these legumes make an easy addition to any meal with no effort whatsoever! Plus they make for an energy-packed side dish!
To prepare purple hull peas for freezing, start by extracting them from their pods – either manually or with a pea sheller – then rinse and blanche them – blanching involves briefly boiling vegetables before shocking them in cold water for shock treatment and maintaining color and flavor while protecting from enzymes that can lead to spoilage of vegetables.
Once the peas have been blanched and cooled, drain and transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or airtight container for storage – they should keep for three days in the fridge or six months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to use them, simply thaw out in either your refrigerator or microwave before cooking and seasoning as usual.
Before freezing purple hull peas, blanching is important as this process kills bacteria and stops enzymes that could spoil them. Blanching also makes the peas easier to peel as their pods loosen more readily from their shells.
Cooked purple hull peas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two days; however, freezing them is preferred to prevent them from becoming mushy and ruining their texture.
If you prefer canning purple hull peas, begin by thoroughly washing 1 quart canning jars, lids and rings in hot, soapy water before filling them with washed peas leaving about an inch of head space per jar and adding salt as directed in the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning guidelines; processing should take between 45 minutes and an hour.
Freezing
Purple hull peas are an invaluable annual vegetable, harvested during late spring or summer for year-round enjoyment. Although you can eat them raw, purple hull peas can also be cooked into soups and stews, as well as being combined with other vegetables such as okra and tomatoes in soups like Hoppin’ John dishes in Southern cooking.
Purple hull peas differ from black-eyed peas in that their pods have narrow, elongated shapes ranging in color from light green to purple-green and then dark burgundy, making for light, crisp touches when touched while transitioning from tender juicy texture to tough and fibrous as they mature; their sweet creamy interior resembles that of cream or lima beans in terms of taste and consistency.
Purple hull peas should be washed before freezing to remove any dirt or discoloration, and prevent them from clumping together. Some people even wash the peas multiple times until they’re certain they’re clean enough for freezing. When cleaning, make sure any overripe or shriveled peas are removed as these won’t freeze well.
Once thoroughly washed, peas should be blanched – this involves immersing them in boiling water for two minutes, to preserve their color and texture as well as kill any bacteria that may have developed during growth or processing. After cooling in an ice water bath for approximately 15 minutes they can then be transferred directly into your freezer for storage.
Purple hull peas can remain frozen for up to a year when stored properly, so when it comes time to enjoy them simply thaw in the fridge overnight and transfer to a pot of boiling water before simmering them until soft and creamy in texture.
Add something truly delectable to your Hoppin’ John by including some deliciously smoked pork! Southern chefs frequently use ham hock, bacon, fatback or even pieces of cured ham to add extra taste and texture.
Storage
Purple hull peas are an excellent source of protein, iron and folate. Plus they contain potassium which can help to lower your blood pressure. Similar to black-eyed peas but milder with creamier textures. Frozen purple hull peas offer another delicious way to enjoy their goodness year-round – try freezing for delicious treats all year-long!
Before freezing purple hull peas, remove their seeds from their pods. Next, wash and thoroughly rinse your peas to eliminate any dirt or debris; this will make for easier freezing as it ensures they won’t retain any liquid during their storage in the freezer.
Next, blanch the peas in boiling water for two minutes. After that, transfer them to a bowl of ice water and allow them to chill completely before draining and placing in an airtight freezer bag or airtight container labelled with both date and amount of peas in it.
Once frozen, peas can be used in many dishes. Try them in soups, stews and casseroles. Additionally, they make great side dishes when combined with rice or sandwiches – or you could try cooking them on the stove like beans to add a smoky twist!
Purple hull peas can be vulnerable to various diseases and pests, so it’s essential that you plant disease-resistant cultivars in your garden. Some popular choices are Mississippi Silver, Magnolia and Southern Pride cultivars which boast excellent drought tolerance as well as resistance against diseases like Wilt, Mosaic Anthracnose (WMA), Anthracnose and Mildews.
If you’re growing purple hull peas in your garden or container garden, make sure they receive plenty of water and fertilizer to speed their development. Also watch for pests such as aphids, bean beetles and cutworms as they could destroy your plants quickly if left alone – any sight of any such bugs should be hosed off quickly with water or treated with insecticides to rid yourself of these unwanted guests!
Preparation
Purple hull peas are an indispensable ingredient in Southern home cooking, used as part of soups, stews and other savory side dishes. Purple hull peas can also be preserved through canning; before doing this it is important to first prepare them correctly by rinsing and blanching.
Blanching peas requires two minutes in boiling water before draining them and placing them directly in an ice water bath to cool. This process helps eliminate any bacteria present, reducing spoilage when canning them later. Once cool, frozen peas can be placed into an airtight freezer bag or container and stored for six months of refrigeration before being used as part of your recipes.
When using purple hull peas, it is crucial that they be thoroughly rinsed prior to cooking in order to eliminate any dirt or debris that may be on them. Furthermore, it is advised that shelled peas be removed prior to boiling in order to make eating them simpler while helping retain their flavor.
When cooking purple hull peas, it is advised that you use a large pot. This allows for quicker cooking times and saves both time and energy. Also consider adding some salt or other seasonings for an enhanced flavor experience and better flavor!
As purple hull peas are delicate legumes, they should be watched carefully to prevent pest attacks from insects like aphids, bean beetles, cutworm, and armyworm that could wilt their plants and prevent their harvest from producing optimally. Without control measures in place against such threats, crops could suffer and produce less fruitful harvests than expected.
Purple hull peas make a wonderful addition to any meal, and are similar to black-eyed peas in texture but milder and creamier in taste. Incorporating these delicious treats into daily diet is key for maintaining overall good health! They provide essential iron and folate that support optimal living.
