Available this week we have a triple option on farm fresh spring peas, English Peas, Snow Peas, and Sugar Snap Peas. So what is the difference between the three varieties?

English Peas are the traditional southern shelling pea. The pods are not commonly eaten, although some chefs have recently begun experimenting with these peas in the pod. Rather, the peas are shelled, and generally served quite simply, in order to let the pea flavor shine. The peas are sweet and starchy, with a complex, distinctly "pea" flavor.

Snow Peas are a flat variety, with smaller, less developed peas, commonly used in stir fry or other Asian cuisine. Snow peas are not shelled, but used in the pod. They have a mild flavor, and go very nicely with other ingredients and flavors.

Sugar Snap Peas are actually a cross between English Pea and Snow Peas. Their pods are edible like Snow Peas, but the peas are more fully formed like English Peas. They are generally served with the pod, and have a nice, sweet flavor. They are not as starchy as English Peas, and as such have a simpler sweeter flavor, whereas the English Pea flavor is considered to be a little more complex.

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