Pea Shoot Microgreens
Pea Shoots: Sweet, Tender, and Bursting with Wellness
These crisp, springy greens bring the garden to your plate—along with a powerful dose of vitamins, antioxidants, and plant-based joy.
If you’ve never tried pea shoots, you’re in for a delicious surprise. These curly, tendril-filled microgreens are the young leaves and stems of the common pea plant (Pisum sativum), harvested in their early stages when nutrients, flavor, and tenderness are at their peak. They taste just like fresh garden peas — bright, green, and naturally sweet — and they’re as good for your body as they are for your tastebuds.
At Hardee Greens, pea shoots are a crowd favorite. Not only are they beautiful on the plate, but they offer a rich spectrum of wellness benefits, especially for those looking to support immune health, eye health, and cellular repair through clean, plant-based nutrition.
What Are Pea Shoots?
Pea shoots, sometimes called pea tendrils, are the young leaves, stems, and curling tips of the pea plant. Harvested at about 10–14 days of growth, they contain:
• The essence of sweet green peas
• A mild crunch with a soft finish
• High concentrations of chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals
Because they’re grown in soil or organic grow media and exposed to light, pea shoots develop strong stems and broad leaves — unlike sprouts, which are more delicate and grown without sunlight. This makes them a more hearty microgreen, suitable as both a garnish and a main salad component.
Health Benefits of Pea Shoots
Don’t be fooled by their delicate appearance—pea shoots are loaded with nutrients that support key areas of health, especially for immune defense, bone strength, and cellular recovery.
1. Immune-Boosting Vitamin C
Pea shoots are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which plays a key role in:
• Immune system defense
• Collagen synthesis for skin, joints, and healing
• Antioxidant protection against cell damage
One serving of pea shoots (about 1 cup) can provide over 30% of your daily Vitamin C needs, helping your body fight off seasonal bugs and oxidative stress.
2. Vision & Eye Health
These greens are rich in carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect the eyes from harmful blue light and age-related degeneration. Regular intake of these antioxidants may lower the risk of cataracts and macular issues.
3. Supports Bone & Heart Health Pea shoots are a good source of:
• Vitamin K – Crucial for blood clotting and bone density
• Folate – Supports DNA repair and heart health
• Magnesium – Balances calcium and supports muscle and nerve function
4. Cellular Repair & Anti-Aging Benefits
Thanks to their abundance of chlorophyll and flavonoids, pea shoots help neutralize free radicals and promote overall cell health. These compounds are tied to lower inflammation and slower signs of aging — both internally and externally.
5. Low Calorie, High Nutrient Density Pea shoots are ideal for:
• Weight management diets
• Diabetic-friendly meals
• Anti-inflammatory meal plans
With just 10–15 calories per cup, they deliver more nutrients per calorie than many mature vegetables.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, Green, and Crisp
Pea shoots offer a bright, grassy sweetness that echoes the taste of fresh snap peas. Their curly tendrils and leafy greens add whimsy, crunch, and garden-fresh aroma to any dish.
They’re especially beloved by those who find some greens too bitter or peppery — making pea shoots a gateway green for kids and adults alike.
How to Use Pea Shoots in Everyday Cuisine
Pea shoots are one of the most versatile, meal-enhancing microgreens you can keep on hand. They’re tender enough to eat raw, but sturdy enough to stand up to quick sautéing or stir-frying.
Fresh Salads & Spring Bowls
• Use as a base green for salads with citrus, feta, strawberries, or toasted nuts
• Add to grain bowls with farro, roasted beets, and lemon vinaigrette Breakfast & Brunch
• Top soft scrambled eggs or omelets
• Add to avocado toast or bagel sandwiches
Stir-Fries & Noodle Dishes
• Toss into warm rice noodles, soba, or lo mein just before serving
• Lightly sauté with garlic, sesame oil, and mushrooms
Soup Garnish
• Add a handful to miso, chicken, or pea soup just before serving
• Blend into creamy spring pea or asparagus soup for extra freshness
Wraps & Sandwiches
• Layer into veggie wraps or chicken paninis for a sweet crunch
• Add to turkey sandwiches with hummus or herbed mayo
Hardee Greens Tip: Add pea shoots at the end of cooking to preserve their texture and vibrant color. Quick stir-fry? Just 20 seconds of heat is perfect!
Grown Fresh at Hardee Greens
We cultivate our pea shoots indoors in small batches for peak quality and nutritional density. Each batch is:
• Grown without synthetic chemicals or pesticides
• Harvested within 10–14 days of sprouting
• Packed and delivered within 24 hours of harvest
You can find our fresh-cut pea shoots:
• At the Bluffton Farmers Market every Thursday; Side Hustle Farmers Market (monthly); Oldfield Farmers Market (monthly
• In select Lowcountry grocery and specialty stores: Lowcountry Fresh Market and Cafe (Bluffton); Magnolia Cafe Beaufort
• Online for special orders and wholesale delivery at HardeeGreens.com
Our pea shoots are sold in clamshells for home use or bulk for culinary professionals, making them perfect for family kitchens, restaurants, or smoothie prep.
Final Thoughts
Pea shoots are one of nature’s simplest gifts: easy to love, full of flavor, and incredibly good for you. Whether you’re looking for a gentle green to start your microgreens journey or a power-packed addition to your daily wellness routine, these springy tendrils deliver in every way.
Want to experience the magic of fresh pea shoots? Visit Hardee Greens at a local market or order direct to taste the sweetest green in the game.
Fresh. Crisp. Nourishing — always.
