Snow Peas vs. Snap Peas: Key Differences Explained

Snow peas are one of the earliest signs of spring, often emerging while snow is still lingering. These peas typically make their first appearance at farmer's markets by late March or early April. For the best flavor, always choose freshly picked peas, as the longer they stay on the plant, the tougher they become.

Both snow and snap peas are versatile ingredients that can be added to salads, stir-fries, or enjoyed as a colorful side dish. With edible pods that can be eaten whole, they look alike in color and size, though they have distinct differences in taste and texture.

What Are Snow Peas?

Snow peas are characterized by their thin, flat pods, which are tender and edible even when they are still immature and undeveloped.

Snow peas, also known as Chinese pea pods, are commonly used in stir-fries. They have flat, pod-like shapes containing tiny peas inside. While the entire pod is edible, the fibrous strings along the edges are typically removed before consumption. Snow peas have a delicate flavor and can be enjoyed raw or cooked.

Snow peas offer a perfect balance of crispness and tenderness, requiring minimal cooking time. They can be eaten raw, sautéed, or steamed, making them an easy addition to various dishes.

Rich in vitamin C, snow peas are also packed with vitamins A and K, as well as iron and magnesium. These peas grow on vines and are harvested roughly ten days after their white flowers are pollinated.

How to Prepare Snow Peas

Snow peas cook quickly, making them a convenient choice for many dishes. When preparing them, be sure to trim off the tough stems. The stem end will have a small cap and a short stem, while the curled end can be left intact for a better grip when removing the string from the pod.

Boil snow peas for just 30-60 seconds. Simply add them to a pot of boiling water, cook for about a minute, then drain. After draining, cool them quickly by rinsing under cold running water in a mesh strainer.

Snow peas are a great addition to dishes like Thai Chicken Spring Rolls, Sesame Vegetable Stir Fry, or Mediterranean Snow Peas as a vibrant side dish.

What Are Snap Peas?

Snap peas, or sugar snap peas, have plump, rounded pods with thick walls, unlike the thin, flat pods of snow peas. They are a hybrid of snow peas and garden peas, and their entire pod is edible, offering a satisfying crunch and sweet flavor.

Snap peas are often eaten raw in salads or as a healthy snack, but they can also be cooked. While they naturally have stringy seams, newer stringless varieties have been developed and are now available in stores and home gardens.

Snap peas are packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and manganese. They also provide antioxidants and various phytonutrients, offering potential health benefits.

How to Prepare Snap Peas

Snap peas can be steamed or briefly blanched in boiling water. Trim the ends of the pods before cooking, either leaving them whole or cutting them in half.

To enhance their natural flavor, add a pinch of sugar to the boiling water. Once cooked, drain the snap peas and quickly cool them in a bowl of ice water to preserve their vibrant green color. If steaming, allow the peas to cool before serving.

Snap peas make a delicious addition to meals such as Easy Sheet Pan Beef Bulgogi, Chilled Sugar Snap Pea Soup, or Air-Fried Sesame-Crusted Cod with Snap Peas.