Get to know: Snap

Snap peas (Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon), also known as snap peas, are a cultivar group of edible-podded peas that differ from snow peas in that their pods are round as opposed to flat. Snap peas, like all other peas, are pod fruits. An edible-podded is similar to a garden, or English, pea, but the pod is less fibrous, and edible when young.

Pods of the edible-podded pea, including snap peas, do not have a membrane and do not open when ripe. Before being eaten, mature snap pea pods may need to be "stringed," which means the membranous string running along the top of the pod from base to tip is removed.

Nutrition One cup (100g) of snap peas has 41 calories, 7.4g of , 2.5g of fibre, and 2.7g of . With 41 calories per 1-cup cooked serving, snap peas fill you up without costing you too many calories. If you're trying to control your calorie intake to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, foods like snap peas make a good choice.

Facts The snap pea is a cool season legume or fruit, cultivated for more than 5 000 years. The name mangetout (French for "eat all") can apply both to snap peas and snow peas.

Health Benefits Snap peas are very low in Saturated , Cholesterol and Sodium. They are also a good source of Riboflavin, B6, Pantothenic Acid, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Potassium, and a very good source of , , , , Thiamin, Folate, Iron and Manganese. They are also high in lutein, a nonprovitamin A carotenoid that primarily acts as an antioxidant, protecting your cells from oxidation. source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snap_pea, USDA SR-21, www.livestrong.com image: pictospin.com

Peas with Orange and Mint Recipe by: Saveur Magazine Serves: 3-4

What You Need:

 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter  1 red onion, thinly sliced  2 cups snap peas, stringed and chopped coarsely  1⁄4 cup fresh orange juice  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste  1 Tbsp. finely chopped mint  Peeled zest of 1/2 orange, julienned

What To Do:

1. Heat butter in a 24cm skillet over medium-high heat; add onions, and cook, stirring often, until soft, about 4 minutes.

2. Add peas, juice, and salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 5 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and stir in mint and orange peel before serving..

source: www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Peas-With-Orange-and-Mint

More information

 Risi e bisi Italian springtime classic: epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/risi-e-bisi-365188  Pea and ricotta carbonara (ovo-lacto vegetarian): www.yummly.com/recipe/external/Pea-and- Ricotta-Carbonara-1202859  Bacon and balsamic glazed snap peas: allrecipes.com/Recipe/Bacon-and-Balsamic-Glazed-Sugar- Snap-Peas