What intentional pairing strategy enhances the body's ability to absorb the non-heme iron present in split peas?

Pairing them with a source of Vitamin C, such as bell peppers or lemon juice.

The iron found in plant-based sources like split peas is non-heme iron, which is less readily absorbed by the human body compared to heme iron found in meat. To actively overcome this bioavailability barrier, the simple strategy involves combining the iron source with Vitamin C. Vitamin C, found in ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, or a squeeze of lemon juice, acts as a powerful enhancer, chemically modifying the non-heme iron into a form that is significantly more available for absorption in the digestive tract. This thoughtful pairing maximizes the nutritional utility of the iron content, especially when combined with the high folate levels also present in split peas to support healthy blood cell formation.