Description

Frozen green peas are a popular vegetable product that undergoes processing and freezing to maintain their freshness, nutritional value, and flavor. This technical description outlines the key characteristics, production process, storage requirements, and quality standards of frozen green peas.

1. Description: Frozen green peas are small, spherical, bright green seeds harvested from the Pisum sativum plant. They typically measure between 0.5 to 1 centimeter in diameter and have a firm texture. These peas are known for their vibrant color and sweet, fresh flavor.

2. Production Process: The production of frozen green peas involves several stages:

• Harvesting: Green peas are harvested when they are fully matured but still tender.
• Cleaning: The peas undergo thorough cleaning to remove dirt, debris, and any damaged or discolored peas.
• Blanching: The peas are briefly immersed in boiling water or steam to halt enzyme activity and preserve their color and texture.
• Cooling: After blanching, the peas are rapidly cooled to stop the cooking process and maintain their crispness.
• Freezing: The cooled peas are quickly frozen using blast freezers or individual quick freezing (IQF) technology to prevent the formation of large ice crystals and preserve quality.
• Packaging: The frozen peas are then packaged into bags or containers, often with a protective coating to prevent freezer burn.

3. Storage Requirements: Frozen green peas must be stored at temperatures below 0°C (32°F) to maintain their quality. They should be kept in airtight packaging to prevent moisture loss and freezer burn. Proper storage conditions ensure that the peas retain their flavor, texture, and nutritional value for an extended period.

4. Quality Standards: Quality standards for frozen green peas include:

• Color: The peas should retain their characteristic vibrant green color.
• Texture: They should have a firm and crisp texture, free from signs of softness or sogginess.
• Flavor: The peas should have a sweet and fresh flavor, without any off-flavors or odors.
• Uniformity: Consistency in size and shape is desirable, with minimal variation among individual peas.
• Absence of defects: The peas should be free from signs of freezer burn, discoloration, mold, or other defects.

5. Nutritional Value: Frozen green peas are a nutritious source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They are particularly rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, and manganese. Additionally, they provide a good source of plant-based protein and are low in fat and calories.