As Summer takes charge across Australia, snow peas flourish in crisp green abundance — slender, tender pods that gleam like jade and snap with refreshing sweetness. Their delicate crunch and subtle, grassy flavour bring a breath of freshness to every dish, from simple stir-fries to elegant salads.
Vibrant and full of life, snow peas capture the best of the season — a reminder that beauty often lies in simplicity.
Choosing the Best Snow Peas
The perfect snow pea feels crisp and smooth between your fingers. Look for bright, glossy pods with small, barely visible peas inside — a sign of youth and tenderness. Avoid any that are dull, limp, or thick, as these can taste starchy and lack that signature snap.
Fresh snow peas should break cleanly in half and release a faintly sweet, vegetal aroma. When buying in bulk, listen for that satisfying rustle — a sure sign they’re at their prime.
Storing for Freshness
Snow peas are best enjoyed soon after purchase while their flavour and crunch are at their peak. Store them unwashed in a breathable produce bag or loosely wrapped in paper towel inside an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps them crisp for up to five days.
If they start to soften, revive them by briefly soaking in ice water before cooking. Their refreshing snap will return, good as new.
Preparing and Cooking
Snow peas need little more than a quick trim and a brief cook to shine. Remove the tough stem and string along the side, then blanch or sauté for just a minute or two — any longer and their vivid green fades.
They’re the perfect companion to seafood, chicken, or tofu, adding colour and crunch to stir-fries, noodles and light curries. For a simple side, toss blanched snow peas with sesame oil, garlic and a squeeze of lime.
Nutritional Highlights
Snow peas are a powerhouse of vitamins C and K, along with fibre and folate. They’re low in calories but high in antioxidants that support immunity and cell health — the ideal choice for those seeking clean, crisp nutrition with every bite.
Here are three recipes to put fresh and in-season snow peas on the table this week:
A vibrant fusion of land and sea, salmon, snow pea and pesto penne bursts with colour and freshness. Flaky salmon mingles with crisp-tender snow peas and al dente pasta, all coated in fragrant basil pesto. Zesty, creamy and satisfying, it’s a quick midweek dish that feels effortlessly elegant and full of flavour.
Savoury and vibrant, beef, snow pea and black bean stir fry is a quick midweek classic bursting with bold Asian flavours. Tender beef strips are tossed with crisp snow peas and a rich black bean sauce, creating a glossy, aromatic dish that’s both hearty and fresh - perfect over steamed rice.
Juicy and smoky, BBQ lamb and snow pea salad with Caesar dressing is a vibrant twist on a classic. Charred slices of lamb meet crisp snow peas, cos lettuce and shaved Parmesan, all tossed in a creamy, garlicky Caesar dressing. Fresh, bold and satisfying — it’s effortless alfresco dining perfection.
