Sugar snap peas should be stored in a perforated plastic bag in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator.
Snow peas should be stored in a perforated plastic bag in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator.
Peas are from the legume family, and grow on climbing vines. Snow peas, also known as Chinese pea pods, are one of two varieties of peas we grow. This pea’s whole pod is edible, like sugar snap peas, however they look very different. Snow pea pods are flat, translucent and have very small peas inside of them, unlike the full, rounded pod of the sugar snap pea. In fact, since snow peas are grown for their pods and not the peas inside of them, they are harvested before the peas become fully formed, when their taste is at its peak. Snow peas are mild, lightly sweet and have a tender-crisp texture. Peas are in season from June to July.
Sugar snap peas are one of two varieties of that we grow. This variety is a cross between garden peas and snow peas (which happen to be the other variety of peas we grow). The edible green pod of sugar snap peas are round, have a crunchy texture and are full of sweet flavor. Because of their superior sweetness, sugar snap peas are often thought of as having the best flavor.
Before using your sugar snap peas, you will want to remove the string. To do so, hold the pea pod with the curve towards you and remove the tip with a paring knife. Pull out the tough string that has been exposed. Once the strings are removed, you want to rinse and dry them thoroughly.
Snow peas can be eaten raw, either alone as a snack or in a salad. Snow peas are very common in Chinese and Japanese dishes, and stir-fries are a popular way to cook this vegetable all around the world. Blanching snow peas is also an easy way to enjoy them, and it doesn’t take more than a minute to do. Once blanched, they can be added to just about anything, from pasta to casseroles to quiche, or just some butter to enjoy them on their own.
Health & Nutrition: Snow peas are high in fiber, folate, and vitamin C. They also contain carotenoid, calcium and iron. Peas are also low in sodium, fat and cholesterol.
Cultural & Historical Background: Snow peas are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, and have been cultivated for centuries.
Additional Fun Facts: Snow peas are thought to be named such due to their ability to survive during winter conditions, even though their growing season isn’t that different than any other pea.
