12 Seasonal Vegetables India Has This Season

9. Green Peas (Matar)

Green peas are a winter favorite that come into shops after autumn sowing, usually reaching harvest in about 60–70 days. Fresh peas taste sweet and tender compared with frozen or canned versions, so look for bright green pods that snap easily. Peas are a good source of plant protein, vitamin K, and fibre—handy for making a meal more filling without adding heavy fats. Use shelled peas in matar paneer, mixed pulao, simple sabzis, or toss into upma for a seasonal lift. To store fresh peas, shell them when possible and keep the kernels in the fridge; they lose sweetness quickly, so use them within a few days. If you buy in bulk, blanch and freeze portions to keep the fresh taste. Some regional kitchens add peas to khichdi or to morning tiffin dishes, where the small pop of sweetness balances spicy chutneys and pickles on the side.