How to Dehydrate Peas
One of the Easiest Vegetables to Dehydrate!

Peas fresh, and shelled

Learning how to dehydrate peas is a great way to preserve them for future use.

Dehydrating removes the water content from food, leaving behind the dehydrated foods for long- or short-term storage.

Use fresh, or frozen (even canned) peas...




Dehydrating Peas Mini Video


Peas are one of the easiest of all vegetables to dry; they rank right up there with corn!

If you choose to use frozen peas, it's just a case of opening the bag, pouring them onto your dehydrator trays, and pushing the "dehydrate" button!

More Information coming up on how to dehydrate peas from frozen.

Check out the "Latex Glove" trick coming up for non-stick peas!

Peas Nutrition Info.

Peas are a fantastic source of Vitamin A, followed by Vitamin C, Choline, and Niacin.

There are trace amounts of Thiamine, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin K.

Their minerals: a good source of Potassium, followed by Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Calcium. They also have trace amounts of Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, and Selenium and contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Peas are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and they have a variety of health benefits. When dehydrated, they retain most of their nutritional value and are a convenient and easy-to-store snack.

They can be used in a variety of recipes or rehydrated and eaten as a healthy snack.

Dehydrated peas can be found in most health food stores or online and you will soon know how to make your own!

Blanch Fresh Peas Before Dehydrating

There are two ways to dehydrate them, either fresh or frozen. Fresh peas should be blanched before dehydrating as this helps to preserve their color and keep them from dehydrating unevenly.

Actually, there are three ways. Dehydrate canned peas! But if you intend  to have peas available for long-term food storage, then simply keep them in their cans.

If you're looking to reduce freezer space? Dehydrate the frozen peas!

How to Dehydrate FRESH Peas ~ Your First Step

Peas dehydrating on a Nesco dehydrator

To dehydrate peas properly, start by blanching fresh peas in boiling water for two minutes, as mentioned earlier.

Then, remove them from the boiling water and immediately place them into a bowl of ice-cold water.

After they have cooled, drain them and spread them out on a dehydrator tray.

Set the dehydrator to 135 degrees Fahrenheit and dry them for 8 to 10 hours.

Blanching helps the peas retain their vibrant green color and actually splits their skins. This allows for faster drying.

How to Dehydrate Peas That Are Frozen

Peas dehydrating on an Excalibur Dehydrator

The image shows my frozen peas all nice and smoothed out on one of my Excalibur dehydrator trays.

Yes, Nesco trays are every bit as good!

Please, before dehydrating peas, remember to use the mesh sheets.

This stops them from falling through the trays as peas tend to shrivel up quite a bit.

BIG TIP!
Use Latex Gloves to Spread Frozen Peas on a Dehydrator Tray

ALERT! Use latex gloves while spreading out the peas on your dehydrator trays. Wearing latex gloves helps stop heat transference, and that means your peas WON'T stick to your HANDS! :-) This way, you can smooth them out on the Excalibur dehydrator or Nesco trays easily.

IMPORTANT: Frozen peas do not need to be blanched before dehydrating. Simply place them on a dehydrator tray and set the temperature at 125 to 135°F for 8 to 10 hours, or until they are completely dried.

Helpful Accessories for a Nesco or Excalibur Dehydrator

I use mesh screens when I'm dehydrating peas to make sure they don't fall through the dehydrator tray openings.

These screens are readily available where you purchased your dehydrator, and yes, Amazon.com has them!

Nesco Dehydrator Accessories

Click the RED WORDS to see the accessories on Amazon.com

Solid Fruit Roll Sheets

NESCO LSS-2-6 Round Clear Plastic 13 1/2" Fruit Roll Sheets, Food Dehydrators, White
NESCO LSS-2-6 Round Clear Plastic 13 1/2" Fruit Roll Sheets, Food Dehydrators, White

Nesco LSS-2-6 Round clear plastic 13-1/2" diameter Fruit Roll Sheets, white.

  • 2 pk of solid fruit roll sheets
  • 1.6 sq feet drying area
  • Dry capacity up to 3 cups of pureed fruit per sheet
  • Check the red Amazon link to see which Nesco models these Fruit Roll Sheets fit.

Mesh Sheets

NESCO LM-2-6 Round Plastic Mesh 13 1/2" Clean-A-Screens, for Dehydrators, (Pack of 2)33%
NESCO LM-2-6 Round Plastic Mesh 13 1/2" Clean-A-Screens, for Dehydrators, (Pack of 2)
$11.99 ($6.00 / Count)

Nesco LM-2-6 Round plastic mesh 13-1/2" diameter Clean-A-Screens, white.

  • 2 pk of mesh sheets
  • 1.6 sq feet drying area
  • Check the red Amazon link to see which Nesco models these Clean-A-Screens fit.

Trays

NESCO WT-2SG Round Speckled Plastic 13 1/2" Add-A-Trays, 20 Series and 30 Series Food Dehydrators7%
NESCO WT-2SG Round Speckled Plastic 13 1/2" Add-A-Trays, 20 Series and 30 Series Food Dehydrators
$23.00 ($23.00 / Count)

Nesco WT-2SG Round Speckled Plastic 13-1/2" diameter Add-A-Tray.

  • 2 pk of speckled round trays
  • 1.6 sq feet drying area
  • Fits 20 Series and 30 Series Food Dehydrators
  • Check the red Amazon link to see all the Nesco models these Add-A-Trays fit.

* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.

Excalibur Dehydrator Accessories

Click the RED WORDS to see the accessories on Amazon.com

Solid Sheets

5 x Silicone 14" x 14" Non-Stick Fruit Leather Drying Ultra Sheet Compatible With Excalibur Dehydrator 9 & 5 Tray Models
5 x Silicone 14" x 14" Non-Stick Fruit Leather Drying Ultra Sheet Compatible With Excalibur Dehydrator 9 & 5 Tray Models

Excalibur 14 x 14 inch Fruit Leather Sheets, beige centers and green outer edges.

  • 5 pk of solid sheets
  • high-grade silicone, excellent non-stick properties
  • Check the red Amazon link to see which Excalibur models these Fruit Leather Sheets fit.

Mesh Sheets

Dehydrator Sheets (12 Pack Silicone), Jerky, Fruit, and more! Dehydrator Accessories for Cosori Dehydrator, Excalibur, Magic Mill Dehydrator - Fine Mesh Dehydrator Trays
Dehydrator Sheets (12 Pack Silicone), Jerky, Fruit, and more! Dehydrator Accessories for Cosori Dehydrator, Excalibur, Magic Mill Dehydrator - Fine Mesh Dehydrator Trays

Lova brand mesh dehydrator sheets for Excalibur Dehydrators, Cosori Dehydrators, Magic Mill Dehydrators, white.

  • 6 pk of mesh sheets, can be cut to fit
  • high-grade silicone, excellent non-stick properties
  • Check the red Amazon link to see which Excalibur models in particular these mesh screens fit.

Excalibur Mesh Sheet Inserts

Excalibur 14" x 14" Polyscreen Mesh Tray Screen Inserts for 5 and 9 Tray Excalibur Dehydrators (9 Pack)
Excalibur 14" x 14" Polyscreen Mesh Tray Screen Inserts for 5 and 9 Tray Excalibur Dehydrators (9 Pack)

Excalibur 14 x 14 inch Polyscreen Mesh Tray Screen Inserts (black tray NOT included).

  • 9 pk of mesh screen inserts/trays
  • 100% FDA Food Grade Material
  • Check the red Amazon link to see all the Excalibur models these Excalibur-brand mesh tray sheets fit.

* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.

When the peas are totally dry, they do reduce a lot in size; that's why I use mesh screens so they don't fall down into the bottom of the dehydrator.

Plus, they help keep your dehydrator clean (just a bit!). Don't skimp on cleanliness, though!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Types Of Peas Can Be Dehydrated?

One can dehydrate any type of pea, however, some types are better suited for dehydration than others. For example, garden peas and snow peas have a higher water content and will not dehydrate as well as other types such as black-eyed peas or chickpeas. When dehydrating the garden- or snow-variety, it is best to blanch them first in order to preserve their color and flavor.

Dehydrator Or Oven ~ Which Is Best?

You can dehydrate peas in a regular oven, but it's not the best method. They are better dried in a dehydrator. If you choose to dehydrate peas in the oven, set the temperature to between 130-140°F and leave them in for about 12 hours.

Check on them occasionally to make sure they're not overcooking. When they're done, they should be dry and hard. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Peas are one of the easiest vegetables out there to dehydrate—and even easier if you choose the frozen variety! I love smoothing the peas out on my trays!

Can You Eat Dehydrated Peas?

Yes, you can eat dehydrated peas. Dehydrated peas are a healthy and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

In answer to the last question about eating dehydrated peas, I have to add these reminders:

A warning here about eating dried peas that may be hard: Watch your teeth! I honestly don't eat dehydrated peas. I always rehydrate them (along with other vegetables) for use in soups and other recipes.

Fresh Peas Taste Best... of Course!

If you're lucky and have your own garden, dehydrate fresh peas, obviously!

It pretty much goes without saying that you can use dehydrated vegetables in soups and stews! (But I said it anyway!)

Velvety Pea Soup

Here's a velvety pea soup recipe for you! It's one of my dad's favorite soups I make!

Also, check out our easy-to-make bread here. Need to have something to dip in it.

Please visit our recipes page here; the recipes all contain dehydrated foods.

Rehydrating Your Dried Peas

Peas before and after dehydrating

After dehydrating peas, your dried peas can be rehydrated by soaking in water for 30 minutes.

They can be used in any recipe that calls for fresh or frozen peas.

To me, they almost plump back up to their original state. Almost.




How Long Will Dehydrated Peas Last?

Dried peas can last for a very long time if stored properly. The key to safe food storage is to make sure that they are completely dry before storing them and to place them in an airtight container.

If this step is done correctly, peas can last for years. Reminder: Store in a cool, dark location in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

How to Dehydrate Peas:
Food Storage Tips for Long-Term Food Storage

It's important to read all about food vacuum sealers, what they are, and why you should have AND USE one. Also, it's important to include a 100cc oxygen absorber inside the vacuum-sealer bag prior to drawing the air out and sealing the bag.

Oxygen absorbers contain ingredients that react with one another and draw moisture to them. Learn more about the different-sized oxygen absorbers and their uses at the above link.

If you're using Mason jars to store your peas, also include a 100cc oxygen absorber inside your jar of dried peas. These oxy packs are your best friend when dehydrating vegetables of all kinds. Keep safe food storage in mind at all times.

Dehydrating Peas for Planting

Drying out peas for planting is a simple process that can be done in a matter of days. First, you will need to collect them. You can either grow your own or purchase them from a local farmers' market.

Once you are ready, spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in a warm, dry area. Allow them to dry for 24-48 hours, or until they are brittle. Once they are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

When you are ready to plant, simply soak the peas overnight in water and then plant them in your garden. Peas are hardy plants and will thrive in almost any type of soil. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh peas each and every year.

If you're interested in learning how to grow peas, Common Sense Home has some guidance for you. Thanks for stopping by to learn how to dehydrate peas.


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Susan Gast, owner of Easy Food Dehydrating plus ePubTechReviews.com, and SusanGast.com

Susan Gast began Easy Food Dehydrating in December 2010.

Read Susan's story of what sparked her interest in all things related to "food dehydrating."

She is featured on the Mother Earth News blog, and on Solo Build It! (SBI!) who hosts this site. Read her first SBI! interview and her second SBI! interview.

Since 1980, Susan's involvement in publishing - in one form or another - led her to create ePubTechReviews which reviews a variety of products related to the publishing industry - if you're at all interested in AI and self-publishing. The website is also hosted by Solo Build It!

Susan also runs her namesake site SusanGast.com on Solo Build It! that showcases the books she has written since 2012.

Do you want to send Susan a quick message? Visit her contact page here. She'd love to hear from you!