Nutrition Diet Guide: What Are Edible Peas Called?

November 3, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the USDA, a single cup of cooked green peas provides a substantial 8.8 grams of dietary fiber. When it comes to the question, "What are edible peas called?", the answer depends on the variety and how they are prepared, with common types including shelling, snow, and sugar snap peas.

Quick Summary

Edible peas encompass several varieties, including shelling peas (English or garden peas), flat-podded snow peas, and plump sugar snap peas. These legumes are packed with nutritional benefits, offering high amounts of protein, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Key Points

Variety Naming: Edible peas are a broad category that includes shelling peas (English or garden peas), snow peas, and sugar snap peas.
Edible vs. Inedible Pods: Shelling peas are removed from their tough pods, while snow peas and sugar snap peas have pods that are tender and can be eaten whole.
Nutritional Benefits: Peas are high in fiber, protein, vitamins C and K, and various minerals, contributing to satiety and overall health.
Health Protection: The high fiber and antioxidant content of peas can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stabilize blood sugar, and support gut health.
Optimal Freshness: For the best flavor and texture, select peas with firm, bright green, and unblemished pods.
Cooking Versatility: Each pea type is best suited to different preparations; for example, snow peas are great for stir-frying, while sugar snaps are delicious raw.
Frozen Quality: Frozen peas, flash-frozen at peak freshness, often retain superior flavor and nutrients compared to fresh peas that have been stored or transported for extended periods.

The world of peas is more varied than many people realize. Far from being a single type, edible peas come in several forms, each offering a unique texture, flavor profile, and culinary application. Understanding the differences between these types—from the common green pea to the crunchy sugar snap—can significantly enhance your cooking and nutritional intake.

The Different Types of Edible Peas

The term 'edible peas' is a broad category that includes several varieties of the Pisum sativum plant. The most common distinction is whether the pod is edible or must be shelled before eating.

Shelling Peas (English or Garden Peas)

These are the peas most people picture when they hear the word. The pods are tough and fibrous and must be discarded, with only the round, sweet peas inside consumed.

Appearance: Firm, rounded pods that encase the peas.
Flavor: Mildly sweet and starchy.
Common Use: Often sold fresh or frozen and used in various dishes like soups, side dishes, and casseroles.

Snow Peas

Also known as Chinese pea pods, snow peas have flat, wide, edible pods with tiny, underdeveloped peas inside. They have a mild flavor and a crisp texture.

Appearance: Flat, bright green pods, typically 2 to 3 inches long.
Flavor: Mildly sweet and subtle.
Common Use: Stir-fries, salads, or steamed dishes.

Sugar Snap Peas

A hybrid of the shelling pea and the snow pea, sugar snap peas offer the best of both worlds with their plump, edible pods and sweet peas. The entire pod can be eaten, providing a satisfyingly crunchy texture.

Appearance: Plump, round pods with a crunchy, fleshy texture.
Flavor: Distinctly sweet and crisp.
Common Use: Raw in salads, as crudités, or briefly sautéed.

Nutritional Powerhouse: The Health Benefits of Edible Peas

Edible peas are far more than just a tasty vegetable; they are a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds.

High in Protein and Fiber

All varieties of peas are excellent sources of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. A high protein and fiber intake helps promote feelings of fullness, which can aid in weight management by reducing overall calorie consumption. The fiber content also significantly supports digestive health by maintaining regular bowel movements.

Abundant in Vitamins and Minerals

Peas are rich in essential vitamins, particularly vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate. They also provide vital minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium, which contribute to numerous bodily functions, including immune health and red blood cell production.

Rich in Antioxidants

Edible peas contain antioxidants and phytochemicals, including flavonoids, catechin, and carotenoids. These compounds help protect cells from free radical damage, which can contribute to chronic illnesses like heart disease and cancer.

Supports Heart Health and Blood Sugar Control

Research suggests that the fiber content in peas helps lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol, a key risk factor for heart disease. Additionally, peas have a low glycemic index, meaning they release energy slowly and do not cause rapid blood sugar spikes. This makes them an excellent food for managing blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with or at risk of diabetes.

How to Choose and Cook Different Pea Varieties

To get the most out of your peas, it's important to select fresh, high-quality produce and use the most appropriate cooking method for each variety.

Choosing the Right Peas

For Shelling Peas: Look for pods that are firm, plump, and a vibrant green color. Avoid pods that are yellowing, limp, or have brown spots, as this indicates they are past their prime.
For Snow Peas: Choose flat, crisp, and bright green pods. Smaller pods are often more flavorful.
For Sugar Snap Peas: Select plump, bright green pods that feel firm and make a "snap" sound when broken. Avoid pods that are dull or feel soft.

Cooking Methods

Steaming: Excellent for both shelling peas and edible-pod varieties. Place peas in a steamer basket over boiling water and cook until tender-crisp.
Sautéing: A quick and easy method, especially for snow and snap peas. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet, add peas and aromatics like garlic, and cook for just a few minutes until bright green.
Roasting: Toss snap peas with oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at high heat for a crispy snack or side dish.
Raw: Sugar snap and snow peas are fantastic eaten raw, either on their own or chopped into salads.

Pea Variety Comparison


Feature	Shelling Peas (Garden/English)	Snow Peas (Chinese Pea Pods)	Sugar Snap Peas
Edible Pod	No	Yes	Yes
Pod Shape	Rounded, plump	Flat, thin	Rounded, plump
Pea Size	Full-sized peas inside	Very small peas inside	Full-sized peas inside
Texture	Tender, starchy	Crisp, subtle	Crunchy, sweet
Best For	Side dishes, purees, soups	Stir-fries, salads, steaming	Raw snacking, salads, sautéing

Incorporating Edible Peas into Your Diet

Edible peas are incredibly versatile and can be added to countless meals. Here are some simple ideas for each type:

For shelling peas: Add frozen or fresh peas to risottos, pasta dishes, or make a vibrant pea soup. Puree them with mint and lemon for a delicious dip.
For snow peas: Use them in a classic lo mein or other noodle stir-fries for a crunchy texture. They can also be a crisp addition to a simple green salad.
For sugar snap peas: Pack them raw in a lunchbox for a healthy, sweet snack. Briefly sauté them with a little garlic and butter as a quick side dish, or serve them on a crudité platter with your favorite dip.

Conclusion

The answer to the question, "What are edible peas called?", reveals a diverse and nutritious family of legumes. Whether you prefer the classic English pea, the delicate snow pea, or the crunchy sugar snap pea, each offers a bounty of nutrients like protein, fiber, and vitamins essential for a healthy diet. By understanding the characteristics and benefits of each type, you can easily incorporate these versatile vegetables into your meals and reap their extensive health rewards. For gardeners interested in growing their own, a guide from a university extension program can provide excellent resources on pea varieties and planting methods.

Penn State Extension: A Gardener's Guide to Peas

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while garden peas, snow peas, and snap peas are edible, the ornamental flowering plant known as the "sweet pea" (Lathyrus odoratus) is toxic and should not be consumed.

Snow peas have a flat, tender, edible pod with very small peas inside. Snap peas, on the other hand, have a plump, rounded, and crunchy edible pod with larger peas inside.

Yes, English peas, garden peas, and green peas are all common names used to refer to shelling peas, which are removed from their fibrous, inedible pods before eating.

No, only the pods of snow peas and sugar snap peas are edible. The pods of shelling peas, also known as English or garden peas, are tough and must be discarded.

When buying fresh peas, look for pods that are firm, plump, and bright green. Avoid any pods that are yellowed, limp, or have soft spots, as these are signs of poor quality.

Frozen peas are flash-frozen shortly after harvesting, which preserves their sweetness and nutrients well. Freshly picked peas are also very sweet, but bagged fresh peas from the store can sometimes be starchy if not used quickly.

Peas are known for being high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, and protein, which helps with satiety and weight management. They also contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support heart health and blood sugar regulation.

For both snow and snap peas, you should remove the tough string along the seam of the pod before cooking or eating raw. This can be done by snapping off the stem end and pulling the string down the length of the pod.

Yes, peas are a great addition to a vegan diet. They are a valuable source of plant-based protein, fiber, and iron, providing essential nutrients often sought after in plant-based eating.

The best way to cook shelled peas is to steam them or sauté them lightly with some butter and herbs. Boiling for too long can make them mushy and cause nutrient loss.