Peas in a Pod

Sugar snap peas are fresh peas that can be eaten raw or cooked. These pods differ from edamame because sugar snap peas can be eaten whole, where only the soy beans of edamame are edible. Sugar snap peas are crisp and sweet and make a perfect snack.  Sugar snap peas are an excellent source of vitamin C which is good for immune health, vitamin K which is important for blood clotting, and vitamin A which is essential for healthy skin, eyes, skeletal and soft tissues. 

One cup has 30 calories, zero fat, 2 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of sugar and 1 gram of protein. 

The fiber in sugar snap peas are essential for a healthy digestive system and also contribute to good heart health.  Fiber prevents bowel conditions and reduces cholesterol. Fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates.

Sugar snap peas also contain folate (folic acid), a B vitamin which is essential for cell growth and repair, the production of healthy red blood cells and DNA synthesis.

My favorite way to eat sugar snap peas is dipped in hummus. It is SO tasty!

Other quick recipes include tossing blanched sugar snap peas with egg noodles, olive oil, parsley and garlic, or roasting the peas in olive oil and sea salt in the oven under the broiler until lightly browned then drizzled with toasted sesame oil for a side dish, and finally tossed with fresh pesto and pine nuts for a either cooked or cold pesto salad side dish.

Sometimes you need to snap of the stem to remove the stringy spines on both side of the pod.  Many sugar snap peas are sold with the string already removed.