All About Peas
Origin: Peas (Pisum sativum) are one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world. The earliest recordings of peas date back to the late neolithic era in the region of Greece, Syria, Turkey and Jordan.
Taste: Peas have a slightly sweet taste with savory notes. Peas can be eaten raw or cooked.
Fun fact: Peas are officially considered a vegetable, but they are technically a fruit because their seeds are developed from a flower.
Garden Peas
Garden peas, also known as sweet peas or English peas, are the most common type of peas on the market. Garden peas need to be shelled. The pods are discarded. Garden peas can be eaten raw or cooked.
Snow Peas
Snow peas, also known as Chinese pea pods, are flat with small peas inside the pods. Snow peas are the smallest variety. Snow peas are eaten raw or cooked with the pod, but note that snow peas have tough strings along the edges and should be removed beforehand. Snow peas have a milder flavor than the other pea varieties.
Sugar Snap Peas
Sugar snap peas, also known as just snap peas, are a cross between garden peas and snow peas, smaller than garden peas and larger than snow peas. Sugar snap peas are eaten raw or cooked with the entire pod and have a crunchy texture and a sweeter flavor than the other varieties. Just as with snow peas, you should remove the tough string at the seams before eating.
Health Benefits of Peas
Peas are packed with lots of protein, fiber, vitamin K, maganese, vitamin B1, copper, vitamin C, phosphorus, folate, and other nutrients, and are low in calories (approx. 100 calories per cup).
Peas contain a fair amount of coumestrol, a phytonutrient that helps prevent stomach cancer.
Peas contain high levels of flavinoids, carotinoids, phenolic acids and polyphenols, which helps fight against aging, strengthens your immune system and gives you more energy.
Peas have anti-inflammatory properties that help with the prevention of wrinkles, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, bronchitis, and osteoporosis.
Since peas are high in fiber, they help improve bowel health.
