What’s the Difference Between Snow Peas, Snap Peas, and Garden Peas?

Snow, snap, and garden peas are all climbing plants and members of the legume family, but there are subtle differences between the three. Though they may look similar from each other, each has a different texture and level of sweetness. Here’s a guide on what they look and taste like, plus a few recipes to get you cooking with all three.

Snow peas are also known as Chinese pea pods since they are often used in stir-fries. They are flat with very small peas inside; the whole pod is edible, although the tough “strings” along the edges are usually removed before eating. Snow peas are mildly flavored and can be served raw or cooked.

• Quick Sesame Snow Peas
• Tofu Stir-Fry with Snow Peas and Mushrooms

Garden peas are also sometimes called sweet peas or English peas. The pods are firm and rounded, and the round peas inside need to removed, or shelled, before eating (the pods are discarded). The peas are sweet and may be eaten raw or cooked; these are the common peas that are sold shelled and frozen. Peas get starchy and mealy as they get larger or if they are not cooked quickly after they are picked.

• Ricotta Gnocchi with Peas and Herbed-Lemon Butter
• Peas with Prosciutto & Mint
• Lemony Spring Soup with Peas & Rice

Snap peas are also known as sugar snap peas, and are a cross between snow peas and garden peas. The whole pod is eaten and has a crunchy texture and very sweet flavor. Snap peas may be eaten raw or cooked. There may be tough “strings” at the seams of the pods that need to be removed before being eaten, but stringless varieties are also now available.

• Snap Peas with Meyer Lemon and Mint
• Roasted Scallion & Snap Pea Spring Rolls with Tahini Sauce
• Barley Salad With Green Garlic and Snap Peas