Sugar Snap Peas

The Sweetest Peas in the Pod

Sugar snap peas, sometimes just called "snap peas," are like having your cake and eating it too: the peas are large and sweet, and the pods are edible. This makes sense since they're a cross between traditional English Green Peas, which have to be shelled, and flat Chinese snow peas, whose peas are more like seeds.

Sugar snaps are at their peak in the spring through early summer. Though they're as crunchy as potato chips, they're a much healthier option for dipping in your favorite Ranch dressing.

Plump with Nutrients

But don’t let their sweet flavor fool you—these small pods are full of nutrients that are important for growing bodies, such as vitamin C, iron, calcium and dietary fiber.

Pick, Store, & Prep Sugar Snap Peas

Crunch, sweet and full of nutrients—what's not to love? Here are a few quick tips to make sugar snaps a fast favorite with your family.

Pick

• Look for firm, bright green pods.
• Snap peas should be plump. The sweetest peas can be found in pods that feel full to bursting.
• Do the snap test. Try snapping one open to see if it's crisp and bright green inside.

Store

• Leave them unwashed before storing.
• Try to use them quickly. Stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag, they should keep for about 3 days.

Prep

• Wash pods right before use.
• Remove the leafy stem. A quick snap of your wrist or a paring knife should do the trick.
• The strings are edible. The celery-like strings can be removed or left on depending on your personal preference.
• No cooking required. Sugar snaps are delicious raw or dipped in your favorite Ranch dressing.
• They’re also great sautéed in butter with herbs, steamed or used in stir fries. Just don't cook them too long—three minutes is about all they need.

Sugar Snap Pea Recipes

Though they're delicious just dipped in Ranch, sugar snaps are a great addition to dinner-time favorites.

• 

  Almond Chicken Salad

  Sugar snaps add crunch to this teriyaki chicken salad.

  View the recipe

• 

  Sesame Shrimp Stir Fry

  Quick, tasty and healthy, stir fries are an easy way to introduce your little ones to Asian cooking.

  View the recipe

• 

  Cold Peanut Noodles with Chicken

  What kid could resist noodles with peanut butter?

  View the recipe