[RichardA]

Quick request for advice please -- what is the best way to dry peas??
We have done very well with peas, the best are going in the freezer but we will have some "older" ones that will be OK for soup and stews if we can store them safely. We have lots of big plastic jars (from local sweetshop) - so just need advice on how to dry the peas - in the pod ?? or pod first and then dry them. How dry is dry??
I assume laid out in greenhouse or poly tunnel is OK as a method.
Will also hopefully be drying beans using varieties bought for that purpose which are also doing well. These I understand are laid out in pods to dry -- Is it the same method for peas?
R

[WirralWally]

Expert advice is nearby: http://www.allotment-garden.org/recipe/258/drying-beans-and-peas/

[goodegg]

the best way to dry peas & beans is on the plants just let them dry as they stand

[Salmo]

Expert advice is nearby: http://www.allotment-garden.org/recipe/258/drying-beans-and-peas/

That is all about drying green beans in the oven so is not what you want.

Greenhouse or polytunnel are ideal but let them ripen on the plants unless the weather is spoiling them.

Dry means very dry indeed before you bottle them or they will go mouldy. I think others on this site get them almost dry and then freeze them?

[DD.]

I have to save some of my pea seed, as they are heritage and I have no other way to source them if they don't keep.

I let the pods just go yellow on the plant and harvest them. Don't leave them too long, otherwise the pods split & you lose the seed.

I bring them indoors where the atmosphere is drier and leave them until the pods open naturally and the seed fall out. They are then left for a week or so in a seed tray and are turned twice daily.

They have always stored fine in maragine tubs.

[RichardA]

Looks like we have a plan then -- I am very grateful to you all
R