Different Types of Peas
Here are the three types of fresh pea pods you may see at the market.
Fresh pea pods can all look the same if you don't know the differences among them. Here are some quick notes on three common types so you know which one you're buying—and how to use it.
English Peas: These are the green peas we're all familiar with. Supermarkets rarely carry whole pods, partly because they're a bit of work to shell and partly because the pods are usually too tough to eat.
Sugar Snap Peas: These peas are a cross between English peas and snow peas. Once the strings are removed, the entire pod is edible. Blanch them, or eat them raw.
Snow Peas: Thinner and more delicate than sugar snaps, snow peas take no time to cook. Add them to stir-fries at the last minute. They're great raw, too.
