Sugar Snap Pea
Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon
Botanical Name: Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon
Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
What We're Growing:
We grow climbing sugar snap peas in early spring and again in fall — trellised for easy harvest and airflow. They’re one of the first crops to greet the season with bright green sweetness.
How We Use It:
Eaten fresh off the vine, tossed in salads, or lightly sautéed, sugar snap peas are a seasonal treat. We also use their tendrils and flowers for garnish and quick snacks in the field.
Why They’re Good for You:
Sugar snap peas are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, supporting immune health, bone strength, and cellular repair. Their high fiber content helps regulate blood sugar and improve digestion.
As legumes, they also fix nitrogen in the soil — giving back to the garden as much as they give to us on the plate. Their crisp sweetness makes them especially appealing to children and picky eaters, helping to build positive relationships with fresh food.
In the Garden:
Snap peas thrive in cooler seasons and need a support system to climb. They enrich the soil through nitrogen fixation and are often used in succession planting to prepare beds for heavier feeders.
Fun Fact:
In folk nutrition, sugar snap peas were given to those recovering from illness to restore energy and boost immunity — combining the life force of early spring with easily digestible nutrients.