Pea Tendril

Pea tendrils, also known as pea shoots, are the delicate, curly, edible leaves, stems, and tendrils of the pea plant. These vibrant green shoots offer a sweet, subtly grassy flavor reminiscent of fresh peas, with a crisp and tender texture. Pea tendrils are increasingly popular in gourmet cooking and can be found at farmers' markets or specialty produce stores, offering a healthy and visually appealing addition to various dishes. Looking for fresh pea tendrils near you? Discover the unique taste and nutritional benefits of adding these versatile greens to your culinary repertoire.

If you've never tasted them, imagine biting into the tender top of a young pea plant: bright, green, and just a little sweet, with none of the starchiness of mature peas. The tender leaves and thin stems are the parts you eat, and the whole thing wilts almost instantly with heat, which is why cooks tend to add them at the very last second. The curling tendrils give any plate an effortlessly pretty, garden-fresh look that's hard to fake.

Because they're so mild, pea tendrils play well with almost anything. They lean spring and green, so they're at home next to eggs, fish, spring lamb, fresh cheeses, and other tender leafy green vegetables. Treat them the way you'd treat a soft herb or a baby lettuce rather than a sturdy cooking green, and you'll get the best out of them every time.

Vegetable Leafy Green Shoot Vegetable

Common uses of pea tendril

Wondering how to cook pea tendrils? Sauté them briefly with garlic and olive oil until just wilted for a simple, elegant side dish with a fresh, spring-like flavor. Search for "sautéed pea tendrils recipe" for easy preparations.
Add raw pea tendrils to salads for a delicate sweetness and gentle crunch, tossing them with a light lemon or sesame dressing so their flavor isn't buried. Explore "pea tendril salad recipes" for creative combinations, or mix them with other tender leafy green options.
Use pea tendrils as a beautiful, flavorful garnish for soups, stir-fries, and pasta dishes, adding freshness and visual appeal right before serving so the heat doesn't wilt them too far.
Stir pea tendrils into stir-fries at the very end alongside other vegetables and proteins; they need only 30 to 60 seconds to soften while keeping a little bite. Try "pea tendril stir-fry recipes" for a quick, healthy meal.
Fold pea tendrils into scrambled eggs, omelets, or a spring frittata just before they set for a tender, grassy-sweet lift that pairs naturally with soft cheese and herbs.
Blend pea tendrils into green smoothies or juices for a boost of green flavor and a subtle pea note, an easy way to sneak more greens into your day. Discover "pea tendril smoothie recipes" for a vibrant drink.
Lightly steam pea tendrils and serve them as a healthy vegetable side, finished with a splash of good oil and a pinch of salt. Explore "how to steam pea tendrils" to keep their color and natural flavor.
Out of pea tendrils? Spinach works as a milder cooked swap, while peppery watercress stands in nicely when you want raw greens with more punch.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories27.0kcal (1.35%)

Protein2.7g (5.4%)

Carbs5.1g (1.85%)

Sugars1.7g (3.4%)

Healthy Fat0.3g

Unhealthy Fat0.1g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health benefits of pea tendril

Excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immunity and helps your body build collagen for healthy skin.
Rich in vitamin A, supporting healthy vision, skin, and normal cell growth.
A good source of fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you feeling full.
Contain antioxidants and plant compounds that help protect cells from everyday damage.
Provide vitamin K, which plays a role in normal blood clotting and bone health.
Deliver useful minerals like iron and potassium that contribute to overall well-being.
Naturally low in calories and fat, so they add flavor and volume to a plate without much cost, much like other tender leafy green vegetables.

Substitutes for pea tendril

Spinach

Watercress

Slice of strawberry tart with a speech bubble suggesting olive oil as a butter swap

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Storage tips for pea tendril

Pea tendrils are best used fresh but store well for a few days. Wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel, tuck them into a perforated or loosely closed plastic bag, and keep them in the crisper drawer of the fridge, where they'll last about 3 to 5 days.
Hold off on washing them until right before you cook or eat; extra moisture on the leaves speeds up sliminess and spoilage.
Give them a little air. Sealing them tightly with no ventilation traps moisture and makes them break down faster, so leave the bag slightly open.
Watch for spoilage signs: toss any tendrils that turn dark, slimy, yellowed, or smell sour rather than fresh and green.
Freezing isn't ideal, since these delicate shoots go limp and watery once thawed. If you must, blanch them briefly, cool and pat dry, then freeze for cooked uses like soups or stir-fries rather than salads.
Don't store them at room temperature; warmth wilts them within hours, so keep them chilled until you're ready to use them.

Pea Tendril

Common uses of pea tendril

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrition (per serving)

Health benefits of pea tendril

Substitutes for pea tendril

Your recipes can talk now 👀

Storage tips for pea tendril

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