Crisp, green snow peas are eaten whole.
Snow peas and edamame are similar in appearance, and both are used in Asian dishes. The two foods differ in several ways, however. Edamame is a green vegetable type of soybean that you cook before eating. The seeds are removed from the pods, and the pods are not eaten. Snow peas are eaten whole, with the pod. Snow peas are legumes; you can eat them raw or cooked. Both products are nutritious.
Snow Pea Description
Snow peas (Pisum sativum) are flat, thin pods with tiny seeds inside. Bright green in color and crisp in texture, snow peas are 2 to 3 inches long and contain five to seven seeds. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Snow peas provide vitamins A and C, iron and potassium. You can serve snow peas steamed, stir-fried or raw in salads or with dips.
Edamame Description
Edamame is a type of green vegetable soybean. It is the same species as the traditional soybean (Glycine max), but it has a larger seed and is more easily digested. It is an important crop in Asia. Edamame comes fresh or frozen; you can stir-fry, steam or cook it in soups and stews. When purchased fresh, edamame lasts only about a week in the refrigerator.
Growing Conditions
Plant snow peas 6 to 8 weeks before the last hard frost is expected. Plant the seeds in single rows about an inch deep and 5 inches apart. Snow peas grow best in well-drained, sandy soil. They require a trellis for support when the vines begin to grow. Edamame grows best in well-drained, fertile soil on a gentle slope. Plant edamame in May to mid-June, when soil temperatures are about 65 degrees.
Nutrition
Edamame is higher in protein and calories than snow peas. It has a nutty flavor, compared to snow peas' vegetable flavor. A half-cup serving of edamame has 11 grams of protein. The U.S. adult daily requirement is 46 to 63 grams of protein daily. A half-cup of edamame has 120 calories. A 1-cup serving of snow peas has 1.8 grams of protein and 26 calories.
Tags: snow peas, Snow peas, grams protein, best well-drained, eaten whole, green vegetable
