Yes, you can buy peas in a can or frozen and they're all right. But this time of year you can buy the real thing! I found them in the green grocer, all muddy, different sizes just the way nature intended them. I took them home and while watching the news I shelled them. I boiled some of the peas and had them for lunch. Wonderful. Tonight we're having them with our hamburgers. They are the perfect side dish.