What Are Garden Peas?

Peas are a sweet-tasting garden vegetable that comes in three types: snow peas are flat, with edible pods; shelling peas need to have their pods removed before the seeds inside are eaten; and snap peas are a cross between the two types, with edible pods that are fatter than those of snow peas. All types of peas are sources of vitamin A and C, thiamine, folate, iron and phosphorus.

Shelling Peas

Shelling peas

Shelling peas are also known as English peas, garden peas and green peas. They have fat, rounded pods with large, round seeds inside that can be eaten fresh or cooked. One cup of shelled peas has 125 calories. Common varieties include Early Frosty, Maestro and Pioneer.

Snow Peas

Snow peas

Snow peas or Chinese pea pods are flat, with small, flat peas inside. They are eaten whole, usually sauteed. They have more vitamin C than garden peas and twice the calcium but are lower in protein because of their small seeds. One cup has 65 calories. Common varieties include Oregon Sugar Pod, Cascadia and Snowbird.

Snap Peas

Snap peas

Snap peas or sugar snap peas are a cross between snow peas and garden peas. Their pods are edible, sweet and crunchy, and they are used whole. Common varieties include Sugar Ann, Sugar Snap and Super Sugar Snap.

Sweet Peas

Sweet peas

It's important to differentiate edible peas from sweet peas, an ornamental vine known for its fragrant, pastel blooms. The flowers and seeds of sweet peas are poisonous.

References

• National Garden Bureau: 2005, Year of the Sweet Pea
• University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Vegetables and Fruits for Health: Peas
• The World's Healthiest Foods: What is the Difference Between Garden Peas, Snow Peas and Sugar Snap Peas?

Resources

• Burpee Gardening: Pea Seeds