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Purple snow peas are small pods, averaging 5 to 8 centimeters in length, and have a flat, oblong, to slightly curved shape with angular and tapered, pointed ends. The pod’s surface is smooth, lightly textured, and pliable, being found in solid, mottled, or variegated hues of dark purple and green, depending on the variety. The pods are also tightly closed, revealing the shape of the developing peas through the skin. Underneath the surface, the small peas are green, succulent, and round to oblong, sometimes flattened. Purple snow peas have edible pods and peas, and there may also be a seam string that runs along that edge of the pod that can be removed before consumption. The variety has a crisp but tender consistency and contains a fresh, vegetal, and grassy flavor with sweety, mildly bitter nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Purple snow peas are available in the fall through the winter.
Current Facts
Purple snow peas, botanically classified as Pisum sativum, are unique, bi-colored to solid purple pea cultivars belonging to the Fabaceae family. The pigmented, flat pods are specialty types of snow peas and were selected in the early 21st century for their purple hue. Purple snow peas are typically harvested when young, approximately 5 to 7 days after flowering, and are favored for their mild, subtly sweet flavor, tender texture, and visually attractive nature. There are several varieties of Purple snow peas often generally labeled in commercial markets, including Royal Snow, Shiraz, Beauregarde, Jupiter, and Midnight Snow. Purple snow peas share a similar flavor profile to green snow peas, but the purple pods are still considered rare and are not produced on a wide scale. Chefs and home cooks use Purple snow peas as an edible garnish in fresh preparations or as a lightly cooked vegetable.
Nutritional Value
Purple snow peas are an excellent source of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system, protect the cells against free radical damage, and reduce inflammation. The peas also provide some fiber to regulate the digestive tract and contain anthocyanins, compounds responsible for the pod’s vibrant coloring, which possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Applications
Purple snow peas share a similar flavor profile to green snow peas and can be used in any recipe calling for the traditional varieties. The snow pea’s crunchy texture and sweet flavor are well suited for fresh and lightly cooked preparations, and both the pigmented pods and peas are edible. Purple snow peas can be tossed into salads, roughly chopped into coleslaws, sliced lengthwise and stuffed with crab or soft cheeses, or displayed on appetizer platters as an accompaniment to creamy dips. The snow peas can also be utilized as an edible garnish for main dishes or served raw as a crunchy snack. In addition to fresh preparations, Purple snow peas can be lightly cooked and are popularly incorporated into stir-fries, steamed as a tender side dish, glazed to develop a sweet flavor, or sauteed and mixed into noodle and rice-based dishes. The snow peas can also be stirred into soups and curries. It is important to note that the purple coloring will dull or become muddy with prolonged cooking methods. Purple Snow peas pair well with carrots, bok choy, cucumber, bell pepper, ginger, mushrooms, meats such as poultry, beef, and pork, tofu, and fruits, including plums, pears, and oranges. Whole, unwashed Purple snow peas will keep 1 to 3 days when stored in a paper bag in the refrigerator. Purple snow peas can also be frozen for extended use.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Snow peas are known as “the peace crop” in Guatemala. The flat pods were introduced to the country as an additional source of income for farming families, and it is estimated that Guatemala produces approximately eighty percent of the snow peas eaten throughout the United States. Snow peas are generally a secondary crop, as corn and beans are the primary income source, but the edible pods are increasing in export, allowing families the opportunity to generate a higher income. Many of the farmers growing snow peas in Guatemala were historically affected by years of violent conflict, and cultivating snow peas has given communities within the departments of Chimaltenango, Sololá, and Sacatepéquez a stable, nontraditional crop with year-round cultivation capabilities. Fundarveja, or the National Pea Foundation, was also established in 2016 through agro exporters to assist with setting the Guatemalan farmers up for financial success. Fundarveja provides educational programs, farming job centers, and mentorship to encourage life-changing habits through nutrition, agriculture, and sanitation.
Geography/History
Purple snow peas are a relatively recent addition to commercial markets worldwide. Throughout history, purple peas have occasionally risen as spontaneous mutations in home gardens, but the bi-colored to solid purple pods were not commercially produced until the 21st century. The first cultivar developed for commercial sale was the shiraz snow pea, released in England in the early 2000s. Experts believe Purple snow pea variants were selected for their unusual, pigmented coloring and were selectively bred to become a new type of snow pea to catch consumer attention in the marketplace. Many different Purple snow pea varieties have been created over time to showcase unique purple pods with green peas. Purple snow peas thrive in cool climates and are primarily sown through select growers in South America, Central America, and Africa. The rare varieties are also grown through home gardeners as an exotic cultivar in the United States and Europe. When in season, Purple snow peas can be found through specialty distributors, farmer’s markets, and online retailers.
Norwich Meadows Farms
Snow peas are nicknamed “the peace crop” in Guatemala, where they provide farming families with an important income source. Guatemala produces around 80% of the snow peas consumed in the United States. These pods are cultivated largely as a secondary crop, following corn and beans. Their year-round cultivation capability has brought stability to communities historically impacted by violent conflict.
Halal Pastures Famrs
Rock Tavern, NY
Purple snow peas: Purple snow peas are edible, both in their pods and peas, and offer a crisp yet tender texture. Their taste combines sweet, vegetal nuances with hints of mild bitterness. Pods display smooth textures and dramatic dark purple hues, sometimes mixed with green depending on the variety, while their small peas are succulent, vibrant green, and round or oblong in shape. Tapered ends and possible seam strings make their appearance distinct.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Purple Snow Peas from Girl & Dug Farms…..Purple Snow Peas' sweet flavor and crunchy texture make them versatile for fresh or lightly cooked dishes. They can be tossed into salads, chopped into coleslaws, or stuffed with crab or cheeses. The vibrant pods, while edible, may lose color with prolonged cooking. They pair well with meats, tofu, and fruits like pears and oranges. To store, keep them unwashed in a paper bag in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer preservation.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Purple Snow Peas from Girl & Dug Farms…..Purple snow peas are a rare and striking variety of snow peas, known for their vibrant purple pods, which contain anthocyanins—natural compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Harvested young, about 5 to 7 days after flowering, these peas are cherished for their mild sweetness, tender texture, and visual appeal. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, supporting the immune system, and also offer dietary fiber, making them a nutritious addition to culinary dishes.
Sunrise Organic Farm
Purple snow peas were first commercially developed in the 21st century, with the shiraz snow pea released in England in the early 2000s. These peas were selectively bred for their unique purple-colored pods to stand out in the market. Thriving in cooler climates, they are grown in regions like South America, Central America, and Africa, as well as by hobby gardeners in the United States and Europe. Their rarity means they are often found through specialty markets and online vendors.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street San Diego, CA 92109
6192953172 [email protected]
Purple Snow Peas From JR Organics…..Purple snow peas stand out due to their deep purple and green hues, varying by variety. These 5 to 8-centimeter pods are crisp yet tender, offering a unique grassy, mildly sweet, and slightly bitter flavor profile. Both the pods and peas are edible, and a seam string may need removal before eating. Their visual appeal comes from the mottled or variegated pigmentation, with the developing peas visible beneath the surface.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Purple Snow Peas from jR Organics…..Purple snow peas are versatile and can be used in salads, coleslaws, or as an edible garnish. Their sweet flavor and crunchy texture shine in fresh or lightly cooked dishes like stir-fries, steamed sides, or rice-based meals. Prolonged cooking, however, may dull their vibrant color. Pair them with foods like carrots, ginger, tofu, or fruits such as plums and pears. Store unwashed snow peas in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer use.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Purple Snow Peas from JR Organics…..Purple Snow Peas are a rare variety, known for their visually striking purple pods and mild, subtly sweet flavor. These specialty peas are typically harvested young, 5 to 7 days after flowering, ensuring their tender texture. Their vibrant color comes from anthocyanins, which also offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Chefs and cooks favor them as edible garnishes or lightly cooked vegetables, adding charm and nutrition to dishes.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street Suite 150
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Purple Snow Peas have a unique history, originating as spontaneous mutations in home gardens before becoming commercially viable in the 21st century. The shiraz snow pea marked the first commercial cultivation in England during the early 2000s. Selective breeding aimed to emphasize vibrant purple coloring to attract consumer interest. Today, these peas are cherished for their striking appearance and are grown in cool regions through specialty farming.
Specialty Produce
1929 hancock st SD CA 92110
6192953172 [email protected]
Purple Snow Peas from Weiser Family Farms at Specialty Produce…..Snow peas are called “the peace crop” in Guatemala, where they help generate income for farming families. Guatemala produces around 80% of the snow peas consumed in the U.S., providing stability for communities previously impacted by conflict. The crop grows year-round, supported by Fundarveja, a foundation established in 2016 to offer education, job centers, and mentorship focused on nutrition, agriculture, and sanitation.