The Snow Pea is an edible-pod pea with flat pods and thin pod walls. It is eaten whole, with both the seeds and the pod, while still unripe. Snow peas offer protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamin C and K, potassium, magnesium and iron. Snow peas are also higher in vitamin C than other types of peas. They are available year-round but the peak season is Spring through Early Summer. The Snow Pea is the earliest cultivated pea, dating back to 9750 BC!
Also Try: SOUPS TO SOJOURN – WINTER SPECIAL
Some say it’s because they can appear white if the light reflects a certain way off their pods. But most say it’s because the peas grow very early in the season and aren’t deterred by frost or snow. White flowers bloom on the vine and then the pea pods grow out of the flowers. Snow peas have been cultivated for centuries. They’re sometimes referred to as Chinese pea pods, as they’re said to have originated from Southwest Asia. Snow peas have a flatter pod than sugar snap peas and contain very small peas.
Also Try: METHI MANTRA
Let us have a look at a few interesting facts about Snow Peas:
- Snow peas are edible legumes and pea pods that are known as a vegetable, and are believed to be native of the Mediterranean area.
- Snow peas are also called ‘Chinese pea pods’, ‘Chinese pea’ and ‘mangetout,’ which means ‘eat it all’ in French.
- Snow peas are from the family Fabaceae, which is the family of legumes, beans and peas.
- Snow peas contain peas that can be harvested once ripe, although they may taste different to typical peas, and are not normally eaten at this stage.
- Snow peas are very high in vitamin C, and are a good source of vitamins A and K as well as iron and magnesium.
- Snow peas are often eaten raw and cooked in stir-fries, and can also be added to salads or other main dishes.
- Snow pea pods don’t have the inedible fibre that most pea pods have, which is why you can eat the pods in very few cases.
- Snow peas grow on a vine that grow 0.6 to 2 meters (2 to 6.5 feet) in height and the peas are generally picked ten days after the white flower is pollinated.
- Snow peas are quite similar to typical peas except they have a softer pod and taste crisper and sweeter.
- Snow peas are harvested when the pod is 7 to 10 cm (2.7 to 4 inch) in length and when the peas inside are just starting to bulge.
Here are a few important Health Benefits of Snow Peas:
1. Snow Peas are rich in Vitamin C and is a good source of Vitamin- K.
2. Snow Peas are rich in B- Vitamins and are also good for boosting the immunity of our system.
3. Snow Peas are a good source of iron and they also benefit the bones.
4. Snow Peas are considered to be rich in antioxidants and rich in fiber as well.
5. Snow Peas assist us in weight management and also help reduce fat as well.
6. Snow Peas are a rich source of protein in our diets and also anti-aging.
7. Snow Peas are low in calories and also good for lung functioning.
8. Snow Peas are high in micro-nutrients and regulate blood sugar.
9. Snow Peas are good to treat asthma and also resolve digestive issues.
10. Snow Peas are fat-free, cholesterol-free, and also gluten-free!
Do try out a few easy-to-make interesting and tasty recipes using Snow Peas!
Recipe-1] ASIAN STYLE SNOW PEAS TOSS
Recipe-2] HERBED SNOW PEA FRIED RICE
Recipe-3] SNOW PEA AND CHICKEN PEPPER DELIGHT
Recipe- 4] SNOW PEA AND MUSHROOM STIR FRY
Recipe- 5] SWEET CHILI PEPPER PRAWNS WITH SNOW PEAS
Recipe- 6] SNOW PEA COCONUT CURRY
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author solely. TheRise.co.in neither endorses nor is responsible for them.