Green peas are a very good source of vitamin C - a powerful antioxidant that helps to keep the immune system strong and protect against premature ageing and disease, vitamin K - need for normal blood clotting, manganese for healthy growth and development, dietary fibre to keep the digestive system functioning properly, folate, - for healthy blood and thiamin (vitamin B1) which helps to create energy from the breakdown of carbohydrates.

They are also a good source of vitamin A, phosphorus, vitamin B6, protein, niacin, magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), copper, iron, zinc and potassium - in short peas really are nutrient, packed powerhouses that really can super charge your health.

Frozen peas are available year round and although the super efficient freezing process ensures they retain almost all of their natural goodness, nothing beats the taste of the fresh garden peas that are in season from early June until late July.

Growing your own is incredibly easy (see more on how to do this in our mini-gardener section. Alternatively, fresh peas still in their pods are available from good green grocers around the country. Mangetout, often popular with children, is simply undeveloped garden peas, picked while the pod is still edible. Eating the pod along with the fibre provides extra fibre.

Similarly, petit pois are young garden peas that are picked and shelled when small, young and tender. Unlike mangetout, the pods of garden peas are too tough to eat, but popping fresh peas straight from the pod into your mouth remains one of life's great pleasures often enjoyed by even the most vegetable hating child!

Peas don't need fussy preparation when they're in season. Boil them briefly until just tender, add a knob of butter and season with black pepper. Alternatively, sprinkle of chopped fresh mint and a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.

To find out what's 'in season' click here