Snap Peas – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are snap peas?

Snap peas, also commonly referred to as sugar snap peas, are various legumes with an edible pod. Like snow peas and garden peas, snap peas are also climbing plants. Unlike the garden pea, however, the snap pea’s pod is sweet and can be eaten. The snap pea is also more rounded than the snow pea.

This type of pea is typically crunchy and sweet in flavor and is often eaten raw, either in salads or as a snack, although cooking it is also an option. Snap peas naturally grow with strings at the seams of their pods, but some stringless varieties have been bred in recent years and are becoming more widely available.

Where did snap peas originate from?

The exact origins of the snap pea are not fully known. Possible locations for the origins of snap peas include Central Asia or the Middle East, as well as Thailand, Burma, and Ethiopia. Peas quickly spread throughout India, China, and Europe around 4,000 years ago. In particular, the development of the sugar snap pea likely occurred in the late 17th century, but they weren’t made widely available until the late 1970s.

What is the nutritional value of snap peas?

Snap peas are a green vegetable, so they pack a punch when it comes to nutritional value. Snap peas are a good source of:

• Vitamin C
• Beta-carotene
• Vitamin A
• Potassium
• Folate
• Vitamin K
• Dietary fiber
• Vitamin B
• Magnesium

How are snap peas grown?

Snap peas are typically planted in the early spring when the temperature is mild, and the likelihood of frost begins to wane. While snap peas are considered a cool-weather plant, they will not survive unless temperatures are a minimum of 45°F.

After the plants begin to grow, harvesters will know a snap pea plant is mature if the flowers are blossoming and the peas are relatively large and firm. Harvesters will pick mature plants and place them in pallets for collection. Then the snap peas are placed in a reefer to be cooled. After cooling, the snap peas are shipped out to market, and the snap pea plants will begin to grow more peas.

When are snap peas in season?

Snap peas are in high demand in the earlier months of the year, since they are one of the first green vegetables that can be harvested. Snap peas are typically mature and ready to harvest around 6 to 8 weeks after they are initially planted. While you can sometimes find snap peas available year-round, their peak season begins in March and ends in April, and this is usually when snap peas are in high demand.

How do you pick snap peas at the grocery store?

When shopping snap peas, keep an eye out for pods that are firm and crisp. Fresh snap peas should feel as though they would snap if you bend them too far, so avoid snap peas that are too pliable. Flimsy pods have a tendency to be bitter and stringy. Also look for a bright, saturated green color in your snap peas. Minor blemishes on the pod are usually okay; the pod acts as a protective layer and is meant to protect the peas inside. Fresh snap peas should be plump and curvy from having round, fully matured peas inside, with dry stems.

If you’re interested in getting your fresh produce delivered, Instacart offers a convenient way to shop for fresh snap peas. Once your snap peas products are added to your cart, you can use the “Instructions” option to let your Instacart shopper know exactly what you’re looking for. Your shopper can then use the specific directions you provide to pick out the right snap peas.

How to store snap peas

Snap peas can quickly lose their flavor and begin to break down, so it’s best to use your snap peas quickly upon purchasing them. This is easily done, as snap peas do not need to be cooked before you can consume them and can actually taste better raw.

To store your snap peas, place them in a tightly sealed plastic bag and refrigerate them. Storing them this way will preserve them for roughly 4 to 5 days. Check to make sure the peas do not start to change color or lose their firmness, and remove any peas that display these qualities. Try not to shell the peas before storing them, as the outer pod adds another layer of protection during storage and can keep them fresher for longer.

How to tell if snap peas are bad

To make sure the snap peas you’re considering are fresh, check how they smell; snap peas that smell off are likely on their way out. Discoloration is also a common indicator that a snap pea is no longer fresh; snap peas that are yellow or beginning to turn yellow are not as fresh as their green counterparts, while black, brown, and mushy snap peas are not fit to eat. Mold is also a clear sign that the snap pea has gone bad.

What can I substitute for snap peas?

If you cannot find fresh snap peas, or if you run out, there are fortunately many alternative fresh vegetables you can choose from. While sweet peas will give you a similar flavor, other legumes, like edamame, for example, can resemble the size of snap peas. Some options for snap pea alternatives include:

• Green peas
• Garden peas
• Snow peas
• Yellow peas
• Edamame
• Fava beans

Shop snap peas products with Instacart

Interested in trying snap peas? Shop Instacart’s wide selection of fresh snap pea products at grocers near you. When you’re ready to purchase, opt to have your snap pea products delivered, or schedule a convenient time to pick up your products, with a few simple clicks.

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