Snow pea

Pariasca, J.A.T. et al.. Effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage on the quality of snow pea pods (Pisum sativum L. var. saccharatum). Postharvest Biol. TechnoL, 21, 213, 2000. 

The vegetable crops of this family are grown primarily for their fleshy pods and/or seeds. Peas and fava beans are hardy, cool-season crops, growing best below 60°F (15°C). String beans and runner beans are frost-tender and need warmer conditions (although runner beans cannot stand dry soil). Young fava bean pods and shoot tips can be eaten, but the seeds are the main crop. Traditionally, peas are shelled from their pods, but snow peas and sugarsnap pods are eaten whole. 

Dinners have more pizzazz. The vegetable cashew saute - still-crispy broccoli, snow peas, shiitake mushrooms, bean sprouts and cashews in a light sauce - is excellent. Being so close to the sea, it s hard to pass up the Thai shrimp. Non-vegetarians will appreciate fresh shrimp with red peppers and scallions in a coconut sauce. 

Hailstorms occur in summer. The structure of a hailstone resembles the structure of an onion. It has an icy core and layers of snow and ice surrounding it. Hailstones can be as small as peas or as large as tennis balls. 

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