Peas: Sugar Snap

• Vegetable: Peas
• Type: Sugar Snap
  
• Palate Profile: 
  • Crunchy
  • Sweet

Story: Made to Munch

Bite into a sugar snap pea and you'll get why it’s earned a cult following—crisp, juicy, and just the right amount of sweet. A lovechild of snow peas and garden peas, this variety was first introduced in 1979 by breeder Calvin Lamborn, who set out to create a pea you didn’t have to shell. The result? A plump, edible pod that’s satisfying straight off the vine. In France, they call peas like this mange tout, meaning “eat all”—and that’s exactly what you'll want to do.

Sugar snaps shine in their simplicity. Toss them raw into a salad, flash sauté them with garlic, or snack on them like chips. Their naturally sweet flavor pairs well with creamy dips, tangy dressings, or even a sprinkle of flaky salt. The pods are firm but tender, with a satisfying snap that feels like biting into summer.

Whether you're popping them straight or piling them into lunchboxes, sugar snap peas are proof that the best things are often the most straightforward. No fuss, no peeling—just crisp, green joy in every bite.