Question for Mom?

Sugar Snap Peas (left)  Snow Peas (right)

What’s the difference between sugar snap peas and snow peas?  --Edna V.

Not a lot, especially considering that snow peas are the parent of sugar snap peas.  Scientists developed sugar snap peas in the 1950s through cross-breeding a snow pea with a garden pea.

There are differences.  Snow peas are flat and have small peas inside.  Sugar snap peas are puffier, and their peas are bigger.  Both make excellent side dishes.

Unlike garden peas, which you must shell, you eat the entire pod of snow peas and sugar snap peas. First, though, it’s a good idea to pull off and discard the tough strings running along the edges of each pod. 

Some people like to eat both these pods raw, but cooking them is quick and easy.   Snow peas cook faster – about 60 seconds in boiling water or 1-2 minutes when added to a stir-fry.  Sugar snap peas have a slightly tougher pod, so double the cooking time.  I like to stir-fry sugar snap peas on their own in a few drops of oil for about 2 minutes, which will keep them crisp.

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