How to Eat Snap Peas (and How to Eat Them Raw) (2024)

Snap peas are one of our go-to fresh veggies to eat as a family. Here’s how to choose them, eat them raw and cooked, and simple ways to make them easier to chew for little kids.

How to Eat Snap Peas

Snap peas are one of our favorite vegetables to eat because they are naturally sweet and crisp. This makes them a hit with both parents and kids when they’re served raw and cooked. They’re particularly great in the spring and early summer—or anytime when they’re available fresh from the farmer’s market—so if you ever see them in that context, pick some up! (They’re good from the supermarket too.)

TIP: Snap peas are a great source of Vitamin C as one cup has 98% of our daily need for Vitamin C. They also provide Vitamin A, K, and fiber.

Raw Sugar Snap Peas

If you’ve never tried raw sugar snap peas, you’re in for a treat. You can eat the whole pod, with the peas inside, and if you can get them fresh from the farmer’s market, they will be so impressively sweet.

TIP: You may want to break the ends off and remove the long strand that runs along the side—but with very fresh and tender peas, chances are you won’t even notice it.

What to Look for at the Store

Look for snap peas that are free from blemishes, don’t have too many white or gray marks, and that are plump for their size. Ask to sample one if buying from the farmer’s market so you know they are good.

Tips for Storage

To store this vegetable, simply make sure that the pods are dry and store in the crisper in an airtight container or up to 5 days. If you buy them in a bag from the store, you may want to open the bag, line the sides with a paper towel, then clip the bag closed to help remove excess moisture—which can cause mold.

How to Cut Snap Peas for Kids

Here’s a look at how you can serve snap peas for kids, starting after they are about 12/14 months. The exterior can be very chewy, so that’s why there’s a progression here. In the image above, start on the left and work your way to the right.

You can pop out the peas and serve them raw to kids to start.
You can cut the whole pod into very thin slivers.
Chop up the pods and saute until soft.
Serve them whole, raw to kids 3 and over—or when they’re able to chew them well.

TIP: Remember that there can be a huge flavor difference in raw veggies, so if the kids don’t like them when you first try them, it might simply be that they weren’t very sweet. Try them again or look for them at the farmer’s market.

How to Eat Snap Peas (and How to Eat Them Raw) (4)

Best Recipes for Sugar Snap Peas

These are some of my favorite recipes for using snap peas (though in all honesty, we eat them raw 99% of the time!).

TIP: You may also like How to Cut Grapes, How to Serve Nuts, and How to Cut Food for Kids.

How to Eat Snap Peas (and How to Eat Them Raw) (2024)