Split Pea Mystery - How Did This Happen?

[Mosaic]

Last batch of split peas took 7 hours to cook. So assuming the batch was a bit antique I soaked the next lot in water and bicarb overnight.

Boiled them up - and the whole lot has dissolved away to watery mush inside an hour.

How on earth did that happen?

[heathfield]

Baking soda dissolves certain proteins within the peas that are not soluble in water. Packets of dried peas will sometimes contain tablets of bicarb to help in the softening process, especially if mushy peas are wanted

[Iluvspikey]

Had you used the first lot to 'bake blind'? do yo think? I once did that with a load of dried chickpeas, used them to bake blind the pastry cases for a load of quiches I had to make, then a few months later I went to do an Indian side dish - and do you think they'd cook?!!! I'd forgotten and put the back with the edibles! Bought myself some ceramic beans now

[Mosaic]

Lol spikey!
But no, I think I've had these from ? Lidl and they have simply been around for a long long time.
Heathfield: sounds as if I overdid it with the bicarb. I did a generous couple of teaspoons. I'll put in a tiny pinch next time!