Snow Peas

Illustration

Preparation, uses, and tips

Just before using, pinch off the ends and rinse the peas in cold water. Wok-fry them with shiitake mushrooms, red sweet peppers, carrots, and sesame seeds, or combine raw snow peas with grapefruit slices and mixed field greens.

Buying and storing tips

Snow peas can be found in the produce section of most health food stores, specialty markets, and supermarkets. Look for brightly colored, crisp pods that have fresh-looking leaflets and small seeds. Use as soon as possible, or store in a plastic bag, refrigerated for up to three days.

Varieties

Snow peas, like all peas, are a type of legume. The edible, flat pods contain five to seven seeds and can reach a length of two to three inches. Snow peas are available year round, and are especially abundant and fresh in the spring and summer.

Nutrition Highlights

Snow peas (frozen, uncooked), 1/2 cup
Calories: 55
Protein: 3.7g
Carbohydrate: 9.8g
Total Fat: 0.26g
Fiber: 3.38g
*Excellent source of: Vitamin C (12.9mg), and Vitamin A (523 IU)

*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily Value.