Snow peas are edible, podded (or sugar) peas. They are similar to sugar snap peas since the pods are tender, edible, and sweet. Snow peas, however, have very small, almost imperceptible peas within a bright green, flat pod. Snow peas probably originated in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, or Central Asia. They were one of the earliest domesticated vegetables dating around 12,000 years ago, becoming one of the earliest Neolithic food crops, favored for their early fresh consumption.
Snow peas were spread throughout Europe and Asia through trade routes and were thought to be introduced to China and Japan as early as the 7th and 8th centuries. The peas became a widely planted garden crop during the 14th and 15th century. They were brought to the New World by European explorers and settlers and were cultivated in the early American settlement of Jamestown, Virginia, by the early 17th century. They are now a popular garden crop worldwide. In the US, snow peas are grown primarily in California.
The common “sugar snap” pea is a modern 1970s hybrid of the snow pea and garden pea.
Peak Time: April to May
Average Price: $5.00 to $6.00 per pound fresh
Tips for Selection and Storage: Snow peas are best from a market that has a fast turnover. Choose pods that are bright green and glossy with fresh stem and blossom ends. Pods that have been kept cold will be sweetest, since the sugar turns to starch over time. Avoid dull, faded, limp or overgrown pods. Snow peas should always be used as soon after purchase as possible but can be refrigerated for a day or two if stored in sealed baggies. One pound will serve about four people
Tips for Preparation: Most snow peas need to be strung. They can be eaten raw or stir-fried, boiled, or steamed. Allow only 2-3 minutes for stir-fry, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes for blanching, and 3 minutes for steaming. Don’t overcook. If blanching, add immediately to an ice water bath to cool. They are best when eaten crisp-tender. Snow peas go well with lemon, green onions, or shallots, ginger and many kinds of herbs.
Nutritional Highlights: Snow peas are nutrient dense and excellent sources of vitamin C, folic acid, chromium, and dietary fiber. They also contain substantial amounts of biotin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, thiamin, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Because they are eaten in the pod, snow peas are excellent sources of dietary fiber. All this for only 60 kcalories per cup. Snow peas are rich in these phytonutrtients that have very strong antioxidant protection against cell damage as well as phtyosterols that help with healthy cholesterol levels.
Click here for a recipe for snow pea, green bean, hazelnut and orange salad