How to Dehydrate Peas: Easy Steps for Fresh, Frozen & Canned

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Susan Gast | Author and blogger at Bored Boomers, Beesville Books, A New Sober You and Easy Food Dehydrating

Did you know that when learning how to dehydrate peas, it's one of the easiest ways to preserve them for future use. Whether you’re working with fresh, frozen, or canned peas, removing moisture extends their shelf life while keeping most of their nutrients intact.

Peas before and after dehydrating

Dehydrated peas are lightweight, shelf-stable, and perfect for long-term food storage, snacking, or adding to soups and stews.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Dehydrate Peas

Can You Eat Dehydrated Peas as a Snack?

Yes! Dehydrated peas make a fantastic snack—crunchy, naturally sweet, and full of fiber and protein. Eat them as-is, season them with spices for extra flavor, or mix them into trail mixes.

What Types of Peas Can Be Dehydrated?

You can dehydrate any type of pea, but some varieties dry faster than others:
✔ Garden peas & snow peas – Higher water content, take longer to dry.
✔ Black-eyed peas & chickpeas – Lower moisture, dry faster and store well.
✔ Canned peas – Already softened, may require extra drying time.

Peas Nutrition Info.

VITAMINS: Vitamin A, followed by Vitamin C, Choline, and Niacin. There are trace amounts of Thiamine, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin K.

MINERALS: Good source of Potassium, followed by Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Calcium. They also have trace amounts of Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, and Selenium.

Peas contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Peas are also a good source of protein and fiber. When dehydrated, they retain most of their nutritional value and are a convenient and easy-to-store snack.

How to Dehydrate Peas: Fresh, Frozen, or Canned!

How to Dehydrate Fresh Peas

Fresh peas need a little prep before dehydration. Follow these steps:

  1. Blanch: Boil peas for 2 minutes, then transfer them immediately to ice water to stop cooking.
  2. Drain & Dry: Spread peas on a towel to remove excess moisture.
  3. Dehydrate: Arrange peas in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
  4. Set temperature to 135°F and dry for 8–10 hours or until peas are completely hard.

💡 Pro Tip: Blanching helps peas retain their green color and speeds up drying.

💡 Tip: Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!

How to Dehydrate Frozen Peas (The Easiest Method!)

Frozen peas dehydrating on a Nesco dehydrator, and a bowl of dehydrated peas.
Peas are partially dehydrated on an Excalibur dehydrator tray.

Frozen peas are already blanched, making them the easiest to dehydrate:

  1. Spread frozen peas evenly on dehydrator trays. Use mesh liners to prevent them from falling through as they shrink.
  2. Set temperature to 125–135°F. Dry for 8–10 hours until peas are fully dry and firm.
  3. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

💡 Tip: Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!

Frustrated female trying to smooth frozen peas on her dehydrator tray

✨ BIG TIP: Use latex gloves when spreading frozen peas to prevent them from sticking to your hands!

Can You Dehydrate Canned Peas?

Yes! However, if long-term storage is your goal, keeping canned peas in their original cans is best. If you still want to dehydrate them:

✔ Drain and rinse the peas to remove excess salt.
✔ Spread them evenly on trays.
✔ Dehydrate at 125–135°F for 8–10 hours.
✔ Store in airtight containers like Mason jars or vacuum-sealer bags.

Helpful Accessories for a Nesco or Excalibur Dehydrator

I use mesh screens when I'm dehydrating peas to make sure they don't fall through the dehydrator tray openings as they shrivel up when drying.

These screens are readily available where you purchased your dehydrator, and yes, Amazon.com has them!

Nesco ACCESSORIES Available on Amazon

Nesco Fruit Roll Sheets 13.5
Nesco Fruit Roll Sheets 13.5" dia.

Nesco Solid Fruit Roll Sheets

Nesco LSS-2-6 Round clear plastic 13-1/2" diameter Fruit Roll Sheets, white.

  • 2 pk of solid fruit roll sheets
  • 1.6 sq feet drying area
  • Dry capacity up to 3 cups of pureed fruit per sheet
  • Check the red Amazon link to see which Nesco models these Fruit Roll Sheets fit
Nesco Clean-A-Screen 13.5
Nesco Clean-A-Screen 13.5" dia.

Nesco Mesh Sheets

Nesco LM-2-6 Round plastic mesh 13-1/2" diameter Clean-A-Screens, white.

  • 2 pk of mesh sheets
  • 1.6 sq feet drying area
  • Check the red Amazon link to see which Nesco models these Clean-A-Screens fit
Nesco Trays for series 20 + 30 Dehydrators
Nesco Trays for series 20 + 30 Dehydrators

Nesco Trays

Nesco WT-2SG Round Speckled Plastic 13-1/2" diameter Add-A-Tray.

  • 2 pk of speckled round trays
  • 1.6 sq feet drying area
  • Fits 20 Series and 30 Series Food Dehydrators
  • Check the red Amazon link to see all the Nesco models these Add-A-Trays fit

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.

Excalibur ACCESSORIES Available on Amazon

Silicone 14
Silicone 14"x14" Solid Fruit Leather Sheets

Excalibur Solid Sheets

Excalibur 14 x 14 inch Fruit Leather Sheets, beige centers and green outer edges.

  • 5 pk of solid sheets
  • high-grade silicone, excellent non-stick properties
  • Check the red Amazon link to see which Excalibur models these Fruit Leather Sheets fit
Silicone 12-pk 14
Silicone 12-pk 14"x14" Dehydrator Sheets

Excalibur Mesh Sheets

Lova brand mesh dehydrator sheets for Excalibur Dehydrators, Cosori Dehydrators, Magic Mill Dehydrators, white.

  • 6 pk of mesh sheets, can be cut to fit
  • high-grade silicone, excellent non-stick properties
  • Check the red Amazon link to see which Excalibur models in particular these mesh screens fit
Excalibur 14
Excalibur 14"x14" Mesh Screen Inserts

Excalibur Mesh Sheet Inserts

Excalibur 14 x 14 inch Polyscreen Mesh Tray Screen Inserts (black tray NOT included).

  • 9 pk of mesh screen inserts/trays
  • 100% FDA Food Grade Material
  • Check the red Amazon link to see all the Excalibur models these Excalibur-brand mesh tray sheets fit

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.

How to Use Dehydrated Peas

Quick Soak Method: When using dehydrated peas, simply rehydrate by soaking in hot water and let sit for 30 minutes.

Cooking: Add directly to soups, stews, and casseroles—no need to pre-soak!

Snacking: Enjoy plain, season them, or mix into trail mix.

How Long Will Dehydrated Peas Last?

Dried peas last for a very long time if stored properly. The key to safe food storage is to make sure foods are completely dry before storing them and are at room temperature before placing them in an airtight container and/or vacuum-sealing them.

You don't want heat to cause condensation to form in the sealed bags or Mason jars.

Dehydrated peas in a food vacuum -sealer bag with a 100cc oxygen absorber.

Best Storage Tips for Dehydrated Peas

It's important to read all about food vacuum sealers, what they are, and why you should have AND USE one.

For long-term storage, include a 100cc oxygen absorber inside the vacuum-sealer bag before drawing the air out and then sealing the bag.

Oxygen absorbers contain ingredients that react with one another and draw moisture to them. Learn more about the different-sized oxygen absorbers and their uses.

When using Mason jars to store dried peas, include a 100cc oxygen absorber inside your jar of dried peas. Oxygen absorbers are your best friend when dehydrating and storing dried foods.

Can You Dehydrate Peas for Planting?

Yes! If you want to save peas for planting:

It's a simple process that can be done in a matter of days.

When you are ready to plant, simply soak dried peas overnight in water and then plant them in your garden.

Peas are hardy plants and will thrive in almost any type of soil with proper care.

Bonus: Velvety Smooth Pea Soup Recipe!

Velvety Smooth Pea soup made from dehydrated peas

Here's a velvety smooth pea soup recipe for you! It's one of my dad's favorite soups I make - with a secret ingredient that makes all the difference!

Also, check out our easy-to-make bread here. After all, you need to have something to dip in the soup... Please visit our recipes page here for more dehydrated food recipes!

Dehydrating Peas is Easy & Worth It!

As you have learned, dehydrating peas is a simple, low-effort way to preserve peas for years. Whether you’re stocking your pantry, making snacks, or preparing for long-term food storage, the dehydration method saves space and requires no electricity for storage (i.e. no fridge, or freezer!) and locks in nutrients.

Thanks for stopping by to learn how to dehydrate peas!

Get Your Free Guide to Dehydrating Like a Pro!

Don't forget to grab your free Six Simple Steps eBook! It’s packed with tips for dehydrating everything from fruits and veggies to dog treats. Get it here.

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