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Eat peas raw – non-toxic but difficult to digest
Unlike other legumes such as beans, you can safely eat peas raw.
- Because while legumes normally contain toxins such as lectin, phasing, and hydrocyanic acid in their raw state, raw peas only have a very low lectin content.
- In moderation, you can therefore eat mangetout, wrinkled peas, and peas raw without hesitation.
- However, excessive consumption can lead to digestive problems such as bloating and constipation.
- This is due to the tannins contained in the raw peas, which are among the bitter substances.
- Depending on the variety, peas have different levels of tannin. If you want to be on the safe side, you can grow tannin-free peas.
What you should also pay attention to when eating raw peas
Even though raw peas are not poisonous, there are a few things to keep in mind when eating them.
- The taste of raw peas changes as they mature.
- Young peas have a sugary-sweet taste because the carbohydrates they contain are mainly in the form of fructose.
- However, as the peas ripen, the fructose is converted into starch, causing the peas to become floury and lose their sweetness.
- If you want to eat peas raw, it is better to use young peas.