Gold Pea Shoots™
Estimated Inventory, 4 oz : 9.00
This item was last sold on : 11/14/24
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Description/Taste
Pea Shoots Gold are small, averaging 5 to 12 centimeters in length, and are comprised of thin and slender stems bearing 2 to 4 leaves with tiny developing tendrils. The bright yellow leaves are oval, pliable, and slightly folded in half with even, curved edges. The delicate leaves also connect into an elongated, white, and smooth, crunchy stem. Pea Shoots Gold are crisp and tender with a sweet, slightly nutty, and grassy flavor. The shoots are also reminiscent of fava beans, providing green and fresh springtime nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Available year-round.
Current Facts
Fresh Origins Pea Shoots Gold are part of a line of young edible leaves grown by Fresh Origins Farm in San Marcos, California. The golden leaves are the immature sprouts of the pea plant, botanically classified as Pisum sativum. The golden hue of the leaves and white stems are not a result of a unique pea variety but are result of the way the plant is grown. Fresh Origins Pea Shoots Gold are cultivated in darkness to prevent photosynthesis from occurring. The lack of sunlight inhibits the development of chlorophyll in the leaves and stems, blocking them from developing their typical green color. The lack of sunlight also drives the plant to develop a more elongated shape because the shoots are searching for sunlight. Golden Pea Shoots grow quickly and can be harvested 2 to 4 weeks after sowing. Gold Pea Shoots have a bright and crisp consistency that lends itself to a variety of fresh application. Chefs often utilize the delicate greens as an edible garnish to add visual appeal while imparting a classic flavor.
Nutritional Value
Fresh Origins Pea Shoots Gold have not been studied for their nutritional properties. Like common green pea shoots, Gold Pea shoots may be a source of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and protect the body against free radical damage. The shoots may also contain some fiber to stimulate the digestive tract.
Applications
Fresh Origins Pea Shoots Gold have a delicate, crisp consistency best suited for fresh or lightly cooked preparations. The shoots can be sprinkled over green salads, piled as an edible garnish on roasted meats, vegetables, and grain bowls, layered into sandwiches, or scattered across pizza as a fresh topping. Fresh Origins Pea Shoots Gold can also be placed as a bed of greens under seafood, tossed into stir-fries, served with sushi, mixed into pasta, or floated on soups, stews, and curries. The shoots are valued for their unique coloring and are generally used in dishes that will showcase the pale yellow and white hues. The shoots are also used to add height to dishes to create a whimsical, aesthetically pleasing appearance. Yellow Pea shoots pair well with herbs such as mint, parsley, tarragon, and thyme, pine nuts, arugula, asparagus, radishes, mushrooms, fennel, beets, burrata, aromatics including ginger and garlic, meats such as pork and poultry, and seafood including fish, scallops, crab, and shrimp.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In the United States, Gold Pea shoots are often sourced from local growers for fine dining establishments as an edible garnish. The shoots provide a fresh, sweet, and subtle pea-like flavor, a bright pop of color, and a crisp consistency that creates an added layer of dimension over salads, main dishes, and appetizers. The Hmong are primarily credited with introducing pea shoots into the American culinary scene in the late 20th century. The shoots were first incorporated mainly into Asian food, but as more chefs experimented with fresh garnishes, growers cultivated the shoots to meet increased demand. In the modern-day, pea shoots are synonymous with springtime flavors and have been a popular seasonal item featured at farmer’s markets. Chefs also began promoting pea shoots and other ingredients from local growers in the farm-to-table movement. Gold Pea shoots are more of a novelty item and are produced on a smaller scale for niche markets.
Geography/History
Peas are believed to be native to regions of Western Asia, North Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean and have been growing wild for thousands of years. Peas are considered one of the oldest cultivated crops and were quickly spread across Asia and Europe through trade routes, arriving in China sometime during the 1st century BCE. Over time, new cultivars of peas were created from wild varieties, developing many of the peas that are commonly grown in gardens in the present day. Fresh Origins Pea Shoots Gold are a modern version of common pea greens grown by Fresh Origins Farm, located in Northern San Diego. Fresh Origins uses the mild, Southern California climate to grow their products year-round. Fresh Origins farm was established in 1995 and has become the culinary industry’s leading producer of microgreens, petite greens, and edible flowers. The farm closely partners with chefs to create innovative varieties with unique flavors, and they also work closely with third party auditing programs to ensure the highest level of food safety at their farm and production areas. Fresh Origins Pea Shoots Gold be found through select distribution partners of Fresh Origins across the United States and Canada, including Specialty Produce.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
Barrel & Board | San Diego CA | 619-902-4646 |
Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
Chef Drew Mc Partlin | San Diego CA | 619-990-9201 |
The Crossings | Carlsbad CA | 760-444-1800 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Gold Pea Shoots™. One is easiest, three is harder.
My Recipes | Spicy Sunflower Salad with Carrot Dressing | |
Greka Icons | Yellow Pea Shoot Salad with Champagne Mustard Vinaigrette |