Harvest any over-ripe pods you see, as well, to encourage your plant to produce new peas. Discard yellow or speckled pods. [4] X Research source
If you don’t have any garden tools on hand, hold the vine with one hand and pluck the pea pod with the other to minimize damage to the vine.
Discard any peas that are brown, have spots on them, or feel mushy.
Don’t wash your peas before you store them. Wait until you’re ready to use them. Some varieties also have strings that need to be removed. [13] X Research source Cut off the very tip of the pea and you’ll see the string attached—just pull it down the seam of the pea pod and throw it away.
Pea vines and leaves are also edible. [16] X Research source
