The first time I spotted these in the produce section, I passed on buying them because of the price--$3.49 for 10 ounces, which makes them about a million times more expensive than any other peas you can buy. Or something like that. (Math is hard.) But the second time they caught my eye, I thought, "Well, all right--JUST THIS ONCE."
If you're a little unclear on the differences between pea varieties, as I was, here's a nice one-paragraph explainer.
These peas are definitely nice--very flavorful. I accidentally undercooked them a bit, and they were still delicious.
But the price is going to remain a sticking point. The gardens of the world have not yet yielded peas so good as to be worth $3.49 for 10 ounces.
Will I buy it again?
Only after I win the lottery.
Nina's View
I saw these peas in TJ's and almost bought them for myself. But I was
brought up short by the price and by the fact that they are English Peas FROM
GUATEMALA.
What is wrong with this picture?
I know I eat stuff imported from all over everywhere. I'm striving to do a
little less of that. Things that have to get to me via refrigerated airplane?
I'm pretty much over that.
Nonetheless, it must be said, the peas are awesome. I should grow some of
those peas next year. Then they'll be cheap and local and angels will sing. (Or
something.)
Just before Christmas, I was at TJ's -- and found myself in line behind a woman who had NOTHING BUT these English Peas in her cart: about a dozen bags of them.
ReplyDeleteShe was gaily chatting away with the cashier (apparently not averse, as I am, to answering questions about how her day was going and what she had planned for the rest of the weekend; I always feel as though the cashier is hoping for an invitation!).
Had there been a moment's silence, I might have accosted her to ask (1) if English Peas are a time-honored Christmas custom at her home, and/or (2) if those peas are really good enough to justify their price -- a point I had pondered, once, whilst (English touch) perusing the TJ's produce. Apparently she thought they are -- or had never price-shopped for peas in all her born days.
Perhaps she had already won the lottery.
These are totally worth the splurge.
ReplyDeleteFull review here - I am a fan! http://traderjoes365.blogspot.com/2015/11/day-314-english-peas.html
I don't care where they're from or how much they cost. Fresh peas are practically unheard of in these parts and I buy them anytime I can find them. Which is hardly ever.
ReplyDeleteI second that, Linda. I've NEVER seen actual fresh peas (other than sugar or snow peas) in any other store. They are only ever sold in SOME farmers' markets during a sliver of the year around June or grown in one's own garden (for a sliver of the year around June).
DeleteI feel the EXACT SAME WAY Linda and I don't buy Animal foods so instead I buy a few bags of the ENGLISH PEAS and eat them RAW and they are loaded with amino acids and Plant protein that is HIGH QUALITY and CLEAN and HEALTHY. $3.49 for that is a TRUE BARGAIN especially when I don't have to tear open every peapod that has probably been sprayed with chemicals and pesticides. I LOVE these English Peas ---- especially with the TRADER JOE'S GREEN GODDESS dressing which is one of the BEST YOU CAN FIND in a store.
DeleteI know I'm supper late, but TJ's English peas are also called marrowfat peas, and they are a staple in Ireland where they are served with fish and chips in a form called "mushy peas." Because they are starchy and hold up better than sweet green peas, they mash really well. I steam them until they are soft, then mash them with butter and cream. They are really delicious served this way.
ReplyDeleteLove them! I parboiled them for two minutes, then plunged them into ice and tossed them with quinoa, olive oil, shallots, and lemon juice. I usually saute them in garlic salt and EVOO, also good.
ReplyDeleteI bought these and some sprouted. Now they are planted and growing several plants. So to me, well worth the initial $$ 😂
ReplyDeleteClever - but remember they like cool climate so grow in early spring
ReplyDelete