Organic Gardening will upgrade its login and registration system on
December 11. The new system is needed to support some of the major site
enhancements that we are currently developing. The new system is shared with
other Rodale sites, including Prevention, Men's Health, Runner's World and Women's Health.
Click here for answers to the most frequently
asked questions related to the new system.
Ok, my Mastro peas are nearing their life cycle and starting to die back. When it comes time to shell the peas, dry them out and store them, how do I go about it? I've heard about drying and storing them in cornmeal?
Peas are usually allowed to dry on the vines. In some cases where heavy frost and or rains are expected, pods bearing fully mature peas can be pulled up completely by the roots and hung to dry. It is important that this technique, or any other fresh-seed harvesting be done in a cool, dry, dark place. Fast drying is imperative as peas, with high sugar content, can mould or spoil if the drying period is prolonged (over 2 weeks).
It is best to allow mature seeds to dry on the vine, outdoors. Allow them to shrink, and become 'crispy'. Pods should be brown and dry.
Threshing large amounts of peas is a slow and tedious task by hand, but is recommended for the best quality seeds. A faster method is to lay them down in a single layer between sheets of newspaper, burlap, or any other dry material and beat with a broom, stomp with your feet, etc. ( I personally would like to see you jogging on the spot to thresh them!)
Bean weevils and viruses can infect the seed, invisible to the naked eye. Freeze the seed in an airtight container for a minimum of 3 days, (5 is strongly recommended) at 0 degrees (Celsius). When the freezing period is finished, allow the container to remain sealed for 18-24 hours, allowing the contents to come to room temperature before opening. This prevents moisture. If the pods were frozen with the seed intact, after winnowing, they must be re-frozen. It is possible to re-infect peas after the freezing period.
Seeds not thoroughly mature and dry will be damaged by the freezing. Rule of thumb is if the seed shatters when struck with a hammer, it is dry and ready for long-term storage. If it mushes, more drying is required. Pea seeds will retain viability at 50% for three years when stored in dark, cool and dry conditions.
All leguminousae family members can be dealt with in the same way. I hope this is useful information to you.
