All About Peas
Your complete guide to peas - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Peas Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for peas in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Canned Peas - Unopened Pantry1-2 years past 'best by' or 'best if used by' date (for quality), indefinitely safe if can is intact
Signs of Spoilage
Bulging, leaking, rusted, or severely dented can. Punctured or damaged seal. Upon opening, an off-smell, mold growth, or unusual discoloration of the peas or liquid.
How to Check
Visual: Inspect the can for any signs of damage, especially bulging ends or leaks, which indicate dangerous bacterial growth. Upon Opening: Listen for a 'pop' sound indicating a vacuum seal. Look for mold, cloudiness in the liquid, or unusual color. Smell: A fresh, cooked pea smell is normal. Any sour, metallic, or putrid odor is a strong indicator of spoilage and potential botulism risk.
Storage Tips
Store cans in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Discard any compromised cans immediately without tasting, due to the serious risk of botulism.
Cooked Peas - Cooked Freezer6-8 months (for best quality), indefinitely safe if kept frozen
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (excessive ice crystals, shriveled appearance), dull color, or an off-flavor/texture after thawing and reheating.
How to Check
Visual: Look for significant freezer burn. Smell (after thawing/reheating): Should smell fresh. Any off odor indicates a quality issue. Texture (after reheating): Severely freezer-burned peas will be tough and dry.
Storage Tips
Allow cooked peas to cool completely before freezing. Store in airtight freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date. For best texture, blanch fresh peas before cooking and freezing.
Frozen Peas - Freezer (Unopened/Opened)8-12 months (for best quality), indefinitely safe if kept frozen
Signs of Spoilage
Excessive ice crystals or large clumps of ice (freezer burn) leading to shriveled, dull, or discolored peas. An off-flavor or aroma after cooking.
How to Check
Visual: Look for significant freezer burn (white, icy patches) or peas that are no longer uniformly green and plump. Smell (after thawing/cooking): Should smell fresh and slightly sweet. Any sour or unpleasant smell indicates a quality issue. Texture (after cooking): Severely freezer-burned peas will be tough and dry.
Storage Tips
Reseal opened bags tightly, or transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container to minimize freezer burn and maintain quality. Cook directly from frozen for best texture and nutrient retention.
Fresh Peas (raw, in pod or shelled) - Fridge3-5 days (shelled), 5-7 days (in pod)
Signs of Spoilage
Pods become limp, yellow, or develop dark spots. Shelled peas appear soft, shriveled, dull green or yellowish, or slimy. A sour, musty, or ammonia-like odor.
How to Check
Visual: Check pods for firmness and a vibrant green color. Shelled peas should be plump and bright green. Touch: Pods should snap cleanly; shelled peas should feel firm. Smell: A fresh, slightly sweet, earthy aroma is normal. Any off-putting or sour smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store fresh peas unwashed in a perforated plastic bag or breathable container in the refrigerator's crisper drawer. Wash just before use. Shelled peas have a shorter shelf life.
Cooked Peas - Cooked Fridge3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour or off-smell, slimy texture, visible mold, or a dull/faded color.
How to Check
Visual: Look for any mold, discoloration, or cloudiness in any remaining liquid. Smell: Any sour, musty, or unpleasant odor. Touch: Peas feel slimy or overly soft and mushy.
Storage Tips
Cool cooked peas rapidly (within 2 hours) and store in a shallow, airtight container. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F (74°C) before serving. Do not leave cooked peas at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Canned Peas - Opened Fridge3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour or off-smell, slimy texture on the peas, visible mold growth, or cloudy liquid.
How to Check
Visual: Look for any fuzzy mold spots, discoloration, or cloudiness in the liquid. Smell: Any sour, musty, or ammonia-like smell. Touch: Peas feel slimy or overly soft and mushy.
Storage Tips
Transfer any unused canned peas and their liquid to an airtight, non-metallic container (glass or plastic) before refrigerating. Do not store in the opened can, as this can lead to metallic taste and potential spoilage.