My Vote For Snap Peas
June 2nd, 2009 · 2 Comments · Posted in garden
Snap peas: sweet and juicy
Growing peas successfully in the District of Columbia is a badge of honor for a kitchen gardener. Springs here tend to be too short and too hot. But I’m considering swallowing my pride.
This year I looked at my crop of English peas, short and anemic, next to a planting of snap peas that can hardly contain themselves. The snap peas are curling all over their trellis, and branching out in directions I never anticipated. They are covered with swelling pods.
Is shelling peas really worth the trouble when you can grow a big, beautiful snap variety that’s edible shell and all?
The snap peas are so good, they barely make it inside to the kitchen. We munch them out in the garden, fresh off the vine, where they fill your mouth with sweet, juicy deliciousness. It’s almost a shame to cook them.
You will never taste snap peas this good in any store–or even at the farmers market. That’s why I’m thinking another crop of snap peas in the fall, and no more fussing with peas next spring. I’m convinced. We’re a snap pea family from now on.
Good choice. I have to survive off farmers market/CSA snap peas, and they’re fab. Can’t imagine why anyone would bother with anything else.
Janet, I hope you are getting–or will soon be getting–plenty of snap peas in your CSA box. I know many people are underwhelmed by the amount of greens they receive in spring from their CSA. If that’s the case, urge your farmer to plant more snap peas. They are a great treat while you are waiting for tomatoes and cucumbers to show up in your box.