Start a Dehydration/Frozen Peas Business
Jabalpur region is rich in production of peas, so there is lot of scope for different peas related business.
Peas were grown mostly for their dry seeds. In modern times, however, peas are usually boiled or steamed, which breaks down the cell walls and makes the taste sweeter and the nutrients more bio-available.
Dehydration of Peas
Like any other green vegetable, green peas are available for around 4-5 months only. In view
of their demand round the year, they can be preserved with the help of dehydration process
and sold during off-season. It is also possible to produce powder which has got good market
prospects. But this note considers only dehydration of green peas.
Market Opportunities
Indians generally prefer green and fresh vegetables but they are available only during seasons. Some their shelf life is not more than 3-4 days. But dehydration technique preserves them for few months and the original taste, flavour and colour is also retained. Green peas are very popular and they are used along with other vegetables in many vegetarian and continental dishes. Many fast food and snack items also include green peas. Thus apart from household demand, there is a continuous demand from restaurants, dhabas, caterers and canteens. Price is the main consideration as these eateries can not afford high prices. Brands like Mafco or Amul are in the market but their products are costly. If a small scale unit can offer competitive price of around Rs.40/- per kg then there is a large untapped
market segment.
Fresh, sound and green pea pods are thoroughly washed in water and then pea seeds are separated and cleaned with the help of pea podder. Then they are pricked as pricking facilitates quick and uniform drying of peas. Then they are blanched and sulphited to retain colour, taste and texture in the final product. Blanched peas are then dried in a drier wherein moisture is reduced to 7-8%. Drying time is around 3 hours. Finally dried peas are graded and packed.
Technology of the project related material handling equipment is available with indigenous companies and could be set up at competitive prices. Major suppliers are understated –
International Food Machinery Corpn, Opp. Deep Bhavan,
Pandit Nehru Marg, Jamnagar- 361008
Raylon Metal Works, PO BOX NO. 17426, Andheri (E), Mumbai-400069
Auric Techno Services Pvt. Ltd. C-101, Shreenath Hermitage,
Baner Rd., Pune-411008. Tel No. : 25898072/99113 Fax No. 25899113
Flavourite Foods and Services Pvt. Ltd., 208, Manas Bhavan,
11 RNT Marg, Indore-542008.Tel No. : 2527644
Frozen Peas
How to freeze Peas
First harvest your peas early in the morning when they are at their freshest.
Depending on the type of peas you will either remove the peas from the pod or snap the stem and blossoms off the pods of snow peas.
Peas need to be blanched before freezing. This helps retain the color and nutrition.
Bring enough water to cover your peas to a boil. I use my blancher but a large pot will work as well. When the water is boiling throw in the peas.
Start timing right away for 2 minutes. As soon as time is up remove peas to a bowl of very cold or ice water. This stops the cooking
Next, drain the peas and dry. I have a salad spinner that I sometimes use to spin the water off.
Or you can just drain in a colander then spread out on paper towels or a tea towel and blot dry.
You can gently roll up the peas in your towel to dry them, but don’t squeeze your veggies.
Now package the peas in serving quantities. Using freezer bags seems easiest to me.
Seal, label, and freeze!
Very convenient. Be sure and place your packages in the freezer in a single layer at first. After the peas have frozen completely you may stack the bags for convenience. This ensures that the packages will freeze quickly and completely.
Frozen peas, which is also the largest selling product in the market with annual sale ofmere than 15,000 MT
Frozen peas have a huge market potential not only in India,
but there is an excellent export opportunity to Middle East and neighboring countries as well.
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