Sugar snap peas, a hybrid of the snow pea and the English garden pea, are a popular edible-podded vegetable known for their sweetness and satisfying crunch. The pods are plump and rounded, differentiating them from the flat snow pea, and are fully consumed rather than shelled. Proper preparation is necessary to remove debris and the fibrous string that can make eating them unpleasant. This process, often called “stringing” or “zipping,” ensures the peas are tender and enjoyable.
Preparation Before Trimming
Before trimming, prepare the peas and your workspace. Gather the necessary tools, which typically include a small paring knife or a vegetable peeler and a bowl for collecting the trimmings. Thoroughly wash the snap peas under cold running water to remove any field dirt, residue, or microorganisms. Washing the peas before trimming prevents debris from transferring to the clean parts of the pod during cutting. Once washed, the peas can be placed on a clean towel or in a colander to drain excess moisture.
The Essential Trimming Technique
The primary goal of trimming is to remove the stem and the tough, inedible string that runs along the seam of the pod. This fibrous string is part of the pod’s structure and becomes more pronounced as the pea matures. To begin, hold the pea pod securely and use a small knife or your thumbnail to snip off the very end of the stem, where the pod was attached to the plant. This initial cut should be shallow, just enough to sever the stem end while leaving a small piece of the string attached to the severed cap.
With the stem end removed, the technique involves using the string as a “zipper” to pull away the entire fibrous length. Hold the pea in one hand and gently pull the severed stem cap upward and down the length of the pod. This action should pull the tough string cleanly off the concave side of the pod, which is where the seam is located. If the string breaks, simply repeat the process from the opposite, pointed end of the pod to remove any remaining fiber, ensuring a smooth texture for consumption.
Stringed vs. Stringless Varieties
The need for the “zipping” technique largely depends on the specific variety of snap pea you have purchased. Older or traditional snap pea cultivars, like the original ‘Sugar Snap,’ possess a noticeable, tough string that must be removed for a pleasant texture. Newer cultivars, often marketed under names such as ‘Sugar Ann’ or ‘Sugar Sprint,’ have been bred to be either truly stringless or virtually stringless. These newer varieties develop a significantly reduced amount of fibrous tissue along the seam.
To determine if a pod requires stringing, you can perform a quick test on a single pea by attempting the trimming process. If the stem end snaps off easily and no string follows when you pull, the peas are likely a stringless variety and only require trimming the stem and blossom ends. If a thick, noticeable string is pulled away, the entire batch should be fully stringed to prevent a chewy mouthfeel. Checking the packaging or attempting the technique on a single piece will save time.
Post-Trimming Storage
If the trimmed snap peas are not intended for immediate consumption, proper storage is necessary to maintain their crisp texture and sweetness. Freshly harvested peas, once picked, begin a process where their natural sugars convert into starch, diminishing their flavor. The best method for short-term storage is refrigeration, which slows this conversion process.
The trimmed peas should be stored in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag to minimize moisture loss. Lining the container with a slightly damp paper towel can help maintain a high-humidity environment, keeping the pods firm and crunchy. Stored this way in the refrigerator, the prepared snap peas will maintain their peak quality and freshness for approximately three to five days.