By John Gannon
Snow peas are a cool season crop, thought to have originated in southwest Asia. They are grown all around the world in cool climates. Snow peas are eaten in pods and all before the seeds/peas get big, and are different to garden peas. They are used in salads, as a snack, and in stir fry. They can also be roasted. As the pods are eaten, they are high in fibre. They have high levels of vitamin C and folate. They contain phytosterols, which help lower cholesterol levels. They also contain vitamin K, antioxidant flavonoids, B complex vitamins, and many other minerals.
How to grow?
Snow peas can be grown in pots or the ground. There are tall varieties (around 2 metres) and dwarf varieties. I like to grow the tall variety, so I put in a trellis into the ground for them to climb. Simply plant the seeds in a row in the ground, underneath the trellis and cover over and water till they germinate. Or plant some in a pot(make sure it has drainage) underneath a teepee for them to climb, and water until they germinate.
Once germinated they will grasp to the support/trellis and begin climbing it. After 10 weeks they can start to be harvested when the pods are young and flat. Do not wait till the peas grow unless you want to save seed for next year’s crop as they don’t taste as good as the flat pods.
Easy Stir Fry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups snowpeas
- 2 cups broccoli
- 2 cups carrot
- ½ cup green onion
- 1 cup red bell pepper
- 1 tsp palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon garlic chopped
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 teaspoons cornstarch
Method:
Combine broth, cornstarch, and soy sauce in a small bowl, whisk, and set aside.
Pour oil into a skillet or wok. Preheat over medium/high heat. Add ginger and garlic. Stir fry for 30 seconds. If you want tender broccoli blanch in boiling water for 1 min. You can also blanch carrots. Drain. Then add broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers to ginger and garlic and stir fry 2 mins. Add snow peas and green onions and cook for 3 mins. Stir sauce and pour over vegetables. Continue stir fry until thickened and vegetables coated.
Serve warm.
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