Help! What has happened to split peas?

Question

I have been cooking split pea soup from dried split peas for over thirty years, with and without ham, with and without potatoes; with carrots, celery, vegetarian style and even yellow peas and East Indian style. Suddenly I can't get green split peas to cook down to get soft anymore. I have tried soaking, par-boiling, and all kinds of methods. I am beginning to think that there is something wrong with the green split peas that are being sold now. Has anyone else had this experience?
Maybe it isn't the most earth-shattering problem but we love split pea soup at my house and being pretty much vegetarian has become a staple dish with us. Has anyone else noticed that this is occuring with their split peas? I am a good cook and I have done it for a living. I don't get it.

Answer 1

I ran into the same thing with a certain brand- try switching brands. I never soak split peas or lentils- just bigger beans. If you add a pinch of baking soda ( I never use salt) in the water and do the boil one minute and let sit 1 hour routine then cook 1-1/2 to 2 hours they cook down to mush. Add the other ingredients for the last half hour. I suspect they are drying them differently.

Answer 2

Hmmm, I love split pea soup too but I honestly haven't made it for quite some time. If you've tried everything I just don't know what the problem could be. Are you getting them from the same place you always have? Maybe you could try another store or go to a specialty type store with gourmet food items, you might have better luck with a little higher quality pea. I really hope you can get this figured out and good luck with your next batch of soup!

Answer 3

WOW, I am surprised to hear this. I too cook split pea soup at least once every week on my job. I have never ever had this happen. I realize your shock and if you had not said that you've cooked this soup for years, I would be asking you how long you are cooking it ? I have never pre-soaked them because it takes a full 2 1/2 or 3 hours to cook this soup properly. I would suggest purchasing your split peas at another location, perhaps they just got a bad shipment in when you purchased them. Good luck, please let us know the outcome.
Jan Gens
Deerfield Beach, Fl

Answer 4

Sounds like age. The peas not you. Peas, beans and rice all take longer to cook the longer they are store. Could be your store got a batch of older ones.

Answer 5

I know adding salt to dry beans adn peas during cooking can toughen them where they never seem cooked. Maybe try again w/o adding salt or high sodium products (ham) and see if that makes a difference.

Answer 6

yes you are right. I think its the quality of peas being sold. For some dumb A$$ reason we started buying our split peas from over seas (by we i mean america) So my only suggestion is for you to find a health food store, Bristol Farms, Whole foods, wild Oats, Trader Joes..any store simlar to them If all fails buy them online here

http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/splitpeas.html

and

http://www.amazon.com/Goya-Dried-Green-Split-Peas/dp/B0005ZWJ0O/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-9332227-0415966?ie=UTF8&s=gourmet-food&qid=1182064772&sr=8-1

Answer 7

Have you had problems with other similar items, like beans? Maybe there's something in the water where you live. I know hard water makes problems in the shower, maybe if you have hard water it effects your cooking.