In modern times peas are usually steamed or boiled to break down the cell walls and make it taste sweeter and the nutrients easier to be absorbed. Peas along with lentils and beans formed an important part of the diet of most people in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe in the Middle Ages.

By the 17th and 18th centuries eating peas right after they are picked became popular. This was especially true in France and England, where the eating of green peas was said to be “both a fashion and a madness”.

New cultivars of peas developed by the English during this time became known as “garden” or “English” peas. The popularity of green peas spread to North America. With the invention of canning and freezing of foods, green peas became available year-round, and not just in the spring as before.

Fresh peas are often eaten boiled and flavored as a vegetable side dish. Salt and pepper are added to peas when served.

Fresh peas are used in pot pies, salads and casseroles. Pod peas are used in stir-fried dishes. Pea pods once picked are either used quickly or are preserved by canning / freezing / drying within a few hours of harvest.

In India, fresh peas are used in various dishes such as aloo matar (curried potatoes with peas) or matar paneer (cheese with peas), though they can be substituted with frozen peas as well.

Peas are also eaten raw, as they are sweet when fresh off the bush. Split peas are used to make dhal in the countries where there is a significant population of Indians. Dried peas are often made into popular pea soups or are roasted, salted, and eaten as such.

The tender new growth of leaves and stem are commonly used in stir-fries in Chinese cuisines. The farmers pick the tips of the pea plant. In Turkey, Greece and Cyprus and other parts of the Mediterranean, peas are made into a stew with meat and potatoes. Pea soup is served with dumplings in Hungary and Serbia.

Mushy peas made from the soaked dry peas is popular in U.K. Pea is one of the most favorite culinary vegetable in U.K. Processed peas are mature peas which have been dried, soaked, heat treated and processed to preserve them.

Cooked peas dried, coated with wabasi, salt and spices are also sold.