Snow Peas
The snow pea is a legume that originated in southwestern Asia and is eaten whole in the pod, as its French name, mange-tout explains,
meaning “eat it all.” Pods are broad, flat, soft, and translucent with tiny and tender sweet peas inside. Snow peas are often referred to
as sugar peas or Chinese pea pods, and popular raw or in stir-fry dishes.
References: Produce Marketing Association, North Carolina Grower/Shipper Directory, Oregon State University Extension.
SEASONAL AVAILABILITY
CALIFORNIA
FLORIDA
NORTH CAROLINA
WASHINGTON
WISCONSIN
AUSTRALIA
GUATEMALA
INDIA
MEXICO
SOUTH AFRICA
SPAIN
ZIMBABWE
References: Produce Marketing Association, USDA, Western Growers Association.
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Know Your Commodity Guide —
Snow Peas
TYPES, VARIETIES & CUTS
Popular snow pea varieties include Dwarf White Sugar, Mammoth Melting Sugar, Nofilla, Oregon Giant, Oregon Sugar Pod,
Short ’n Sweet, Snowflake, Snowman, and Sugar Daddy.
References: Ohio State University, Oregon State University Extension, University of Florida.
PESTS & DISEASE
Common diseases:
Ascochyta can affect pods, leaves, and stems with flecks and spots that eventually turn black. Yellowing and wilting of the lower leaves
and stunting of plants is usually fusarium wilt or root-rot disease. Neither is as prevalent in well-drained soils; abundant organic matter
in raised beds can improve soil aeration and drainage.
Both downy and powdery mildew can take hold; the former appears as small, yellowing blotches on upper leaf surfaces with greyish
purple fungal growth on the underside, while the latter causes discoloring on upper leaves followed by white powdery mildew that can
appear blue in color.
Common pests:
Aphids damage buds by draining plant juices, and thrips feed on blossoms, buds, or leaves also draining fluids. Affected parts of the
plant turn brownish-yellow, blacken, shrivel up and drop prematurely.
Stink bugs damage seeds and pods and also transmit yeast-spot disease.
Other pests affecting snow peas and other pea varieties include mites, cutworms, and root-knot nematodes.
References: Integrated Pest Management North Carolina, Saskatchewan Agriculture, University of Florida.
CULTIVATION, STORAGE & PACKAGING
Preharvest:
Snow peas thrive in cool, moderate climates with plenty of moisture. The best soils are silty, sandy, or clay loams. While the
peas need a generous supply of moisture, yields will be affected by over-irrigation. Plant when soil is dry and temperatures reach at
least 45°F.
Seeds and seedlings are damaged by contact with fertilizer or cultivation tools. Mulch will cool soil, reduce moisture loss, and reduce
soil rots. Some snow peas are vine types and will grow to heights of more than 6 feet, requiring trellising or support.
Postharvest:
Snow peas should be picked regularly (preferably every other day) up to a week after flowering to assure sweet, fiberless pods.
Overgrown pods, if discovered, should be removed to keep plants blooming and producing longer. Mechanical harvesting has been
only moderately successful with snow peas.
Snow peas are highly perishable and will lose quality in less than 2 weeks. Optimum storage temperature is 32°F (0°C) with 85 to
95% relative humidity. Freezing injury from low temperatures will lead to watersoaking, which is typically followed by bacterial
soft-rot. Additionally, steer clear of ethylene-producing commodities.
References: Oregon State University, UC Davis Postharvest Technology website, University of Illinois Extension.
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Know Your Commodity Guide —
Snow Peas
GOOD ARRIVAL GUIDELINES
Generally speaking, the percentage of defects shown on a timely government inspection certificate should not exceed the percentage of
allowable defects, provided: (1) transportation conditions were normal; (2) the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) or Canadian
Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) inspection was timely; and (3) the entire lot was inspected.
U.S. Grade
Standards
10-5-2
Days Since
Shipment
% of Defects
Allowed
5
4
3
2
1
15-8-4
14-8-4
13-7-3
11-6-2
10-5-2
Optimum
Transit Temp. (°F)
32
There are no good arrival guidelines for this commodity specific to Canada; U.S. guidelines apply to shipments unless otherwise
agreed by contract.
References: DRC, PACA, USDA.
HEALTH & NUTRITION
Snow peas are rich in Vitamin C, iron, and Vitamin A. They have no cholesterol, are low in sodium, fat, and calories, and are a good
source of fiber.
References: Produce Marketing Association, Western Growers Association.
www.producebluebook.com
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Know Your Commodity Guide