Snap pea

Snap pea (also known as the sugar snap pea) is a cultivar group of edible-podded peas that differ from snow peas in that their pods are round as opposed to flat. The name "snap pea" is derived from the sound the pea makes when it is broken in half.

History

The snap pea was developed by Calvin Lamborn, an American plant breeder, in the 1970s as a result of his work on disease resistance in peas. Lamborn crossed a rogue pea plant with a snow pea plant to create the snap pea. The new variety was sweeter and the pod was edible, unlike the traditional garden pea.

Cultivation

Snap peas are a cool-season crop and are typically planted in the spring. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. The plants are typically trellised due to their vining habit. Snap peas are harvested when the pods are plump and before the peas inside have fully developed.

Culinary uses

Snap peas are often eaten raw in salads or cooked in stir-fries. They can also be steamed or boiled. The entire pod is edible, including the peas inside. Snap peas are high in vitamin C and vitamin K, and also provide dietary fiber.

Varieties

There are several varieties of snap peas, including 'Sugar Snap', 'Sugar Ann', and 'Cascadia'. Each variety has its own unique characteristics, such as pod size and sweetness.

See also

• Pea
• Snow pea
• Garden pea