There is a difference between green peas and dried peas.

The pea is a powerhouse of both belly-filling and disease-reducing proteins.Green peas and dried peas are basically derived from the same plant, but to a different point.There are a few differences between the two peas.

Peas are in the same family as beans and other dried items in your pantry.They are considered separate because of their shape.

Peas are spherical, which makes them different from their legume cousins.Peas are dried when they have reached full maturity.Peas split at the seam when they are fully dried.

There are many varieties of the cool weather vegetable.The most popular are green peas, snap peas and snow.The best way to get fresh peas is sucking them.They are plump and delicious to eat from the Pod.When cooked properly, fresh peas have a bit of bite, but are far from the variety that becomes dried peas.

Most peas that are sold fresh can be dried.The fresh peas you find at the grocery store and farmer's market are not the same peas that are dried.It can take up to two weeks to dry the mature pea Pods.A better dried pea can be made from mature seeds.

peas can be stored for years in a dark space and are built to last.Fresh peas need to be kept cool and crisp in the refrigerator for a few days before they begin to lose their structure.Peas need to be rehydrated.

High in fiber, dried peas are also high in vitamins and minerals.More than 65 percent of the daily value for fiber is provided by them.The isoflavones in dried peas have been linked to a reduction in breast and prostrate cancer risks.Peas lower the risk of heart disease by more than 80 percent.