split peas

When kids help make healthy food, they are more likely to try it. Show kids how to:

❁ find and remove small rocks, seeds or plant parts from dry split peas.

❁ Rinse split peas in a colander under cool running water.

❁ Wash, peel or chop vegetables.

■ To maximize shelf life, store dry split peas in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Stored well, they keep their quality for 2 years or longer.

■ Cooked split peas can be refrigerated for up to a week.

❁ Split peas are mature peas that are allowed to dry before harvesting. When the skins are removed, they naturally split in half.

❁ Either yellow or green split peas can be used in most recipes. Yellow split peas have a mild flavor while green split peas are slightly sweeter.

❁ Look for bright-colored split peas, usually green or golden yellow.

❁ Dried split peas are inexpensive and store well.

❁ Split peas are available pre-packaged or in bulk bins