sugar pea

plant and legume

Also known as: Pisum sativum macrocarpon

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The sugar pea, also known as a snow pea, is a variety of the garden pea (Pisum sativum). This herbaceous annual plant, belonging to the Fabaceae family, is cultivated globally for its edible seeds and pods. Sugar peas are popular in East Asian cuisines and are eaten raw or cooked. The pea plant is characterized by its climbing stems with tendrils, compound leaves, and butterfly-shaped flowers. Its fruit is a pod containing seeds. Peas are a good source of protein and dietary fibre.12

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pea
Some varieties, including sugar peas and snow peas, produce pods that are edible and are eaten raw or cooked like green beans; they are popular in East Asian cuisines. The plants are fairly easy to grow, and the seeds are a good source of protein and dietary fibre.
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Some varieties, including sugar peas and snow peas, produce pods that are edible and are eaten raw or cooked like green beans; they are popular in East Asian cuisines. The plants are fairly easy to grow, and the seeds are a good source of protein and dietary fibre.
Read More