Whole Green Peas are part of the legume family. Whole Peas are about 1/4 of an inch around and pale green in color. Whole Dried Peas have a history going back some 10,000 years. Originally from the Middle East, Peas soon spread throughout the Mediterranean region and on to India and China. The cultivation of Peas in Europe helped to stave off a famine in England in 1555. Peas are most commonly used in their split form. Whole Green Peas are an acceptable substitute for fresh peas. Today, Canada is the world's largest exporter.