Snow peas

Snow peas are a type of pea, Pisum sativum, in which the entire pod is eaten with the seeds inside. The pods are flat and crisp while the seeds are small and appear immature, which is exactly the stage at which they are picked for their sweet, delicate flavour and tender crunch. They can be eaten raw or cooked, often stir-fried, and they are a common ingredient of Chinese cooking as well as salads and side dishes. Like other fresh produce they are perishable: prompt cooling after harvest, cold-chain discipline, and washing before eating protect both their crisp texture and their safety from field to fork.