Sugar snap peas vs. Edamame - What's the difference?

Sugar snap peas and edamame are legumes and are quite similar in shape and color. However, they are two crops that differ in several aspects.

What is the difference between dried peas and edamame? The main difference is that the red snap peas are edible, while the edamame shell is too hard to eat. You can eat the red snap peas raw or cooked. Edamame should always be eaten cooked. Both red snap peas and edamame are rich in minerals and vitamins, low in calories, and a good source of fiber. 

In this article, we’ve looked at the differences between dried snap peas and edamame, from texture and flavor to cooking methods and health benefits.

What are dried peas?

Dried peas, called simply snap peas, are edible grain peas. They are a hybrid between garden peas and snow peas.

Dried peas have rounded pods and a thicker skin than other pea varieties.

With some varieties of snap peas, you may need to remove the tough strings that cling to the pods.

What is edamame?

Like red snap peas, edamame also falls under the legume category.

Edamame beans are soybeans harvested before they are fully ripe.

Unlike table peas, edamame pods are inedible. To eat edamame, you have to squeeze the beans out of the shell.

Although there is much debate about the origin of dried peas, edamame surely originates from Asia and is widely used in Asian cuisine.

Difference between dried peas and edamame

Dried snap peas and edamame may look similar in appearance, as they are both green and similar in size. However, keep in mind that edamame is more rounded and the beans are visibly outlined under the shell.

Here are the main differences between edamame and dried peas from different aspects.

Maple Peas Vs. Edamame: Texture and flavor

Sugar snap peas are a variety of sweet snap pea and are rightly considered to be one of the tastiest pea varieties.

Texture-wise, these peas are quite crunchy, making them a favorite for many.

Like snap peas, edamame beans also have a sweet taste. However, since they are harvested at an early stage, they also have a slightly herbaceous flavor. The edamame also has a hint of nuttiness.

Compared to snap peas, edamame beans have a tougher texture. However, being still young, the beans are softer than fully mature soybeans.

Maple Peas Vs. Edamame: Preparation and consumption

The key difference between eating dried peas and edamame is that dried peas are edible pods, which means that you can freely eat both the pod and the kernels of these peas.

As for the edamame, you can only eat the grains.

The edamame pods are not harmful. However, they are too fibrous to eat. You can chew them for a long time, as it is done with sugar cane, “extract” as much juice as you can from it, and remove the fiber ball that remains in your mouth.

How to eat sugar snap peas

There are multiple ways to enjoy these tasty peas. Here’s how you can prepare and eat sweet peas.

• Raw - If you like crunch, you should try eating dried peas raw. Simply remove the stems before eating. You can eat the red snap peas raw with a relish or with some type of dipping sauce. Adding raw, uncooked peas to salads also works well.
• Stir -fry - One of the best ways to prepare and eat red snap peas is to stir-fry them with a bit of olive oil. Add a little seasoning. With salt (we recommend Kosher salt) and pepper is enough to cook the red snap peas deliciously. Other seasonings and herbs can also be used to give the red snap peas some extra hints of flavor.
• Blanched - If you don’t like eating your red snap peas raw, you can blanch them to make them a little more tender.
  • To do this, put the peas in boiling water for about 5 minutes. Once the peas are done, put them in ice water to keep their crunch and bright green color.
• Roast or Grill - You can also roast and grill the red peas. Roasting red snap peas will literally take you 2 minutes, while roasting them in the oven will take up to 10 minutes to get a nice crust.

how to eat edamame

Since edamame beans are in an inedible pod, you may be wondering what are the best ways to eat edamame. Unlike sugar snap peas, you can’t eat edamame raw. Since edamame is basically soybeans, eating it raw carries health risks.

Here are some options for making and eating edamame:

• Boiled - Boil the edamame in salted water for up to 5 minutes. When ready, put the edamame in cold water. To eat the edamame beans, squeeze them out of the pod. You can eat the beans as an appetizer or add them to different recipes. You can also boil edamame beans and use them to make sauces or salads.
• Steaming - If you have a steamer basket, you should try steaming edamame. If you have a bamboo steamer, it will be more than appropriate for this East Asian native crop. Steam the edamame for about 10 minutes and rinse it under cold water before serving. Steaming will make the edamame more tender and enjoyable to eat.
• Pan -fried - Cooking the edamame over high heat is also an option. Cook the edamame pods in a hot skillet. Make sure both sides of the pods are slightly blackened. Season to taste and serve while the edamame is still hot.
• Microwavable - For a quick snack, microwaved edamame is a great way to grab a healthy and delicious bite. Put the edamame in a microwave-safe bowl and drizzle it with a little water. Microwave it for about 3 minutes on high. Season with your favorite flavors.

Sweet Peas vs. Edamame: Serve and combine

Dried peas are quite versatile when it comes to how you serve them. They also have a flavor that goes well with a wide variety of products and makes cooking with dried peas easy.

Red peas can be part of all meals of the day, even light snacks to suppress hunger. As a snack, red snap peas can be eaten raw or briefly cooked along with a dipping sauce.

You can also make these peas part of your breakfast. Sautéed red snap peas go well with all breakfast staples, including eggs and bacon.

Raw and blanched red snap peas can be added to salads.  These bright green peas add a touch of color and freshness to pasta, pilafs and curries.

Baby peas go particularly well with typical Asian flavors. They are often made with ginger, soy, chili, and lemon. Herbs like fresh mint and oregano pair well with dried peas.

The edamame is a great appetizer served as is. You can serve it in the pod or remove the beans, season them and serve as a starter. The edamame is also a good snack. It is healthy and fun to eat.

You can also make a dip with edamame. Make a creamy dip or hummus by mixing edamame with avocado or peas.

Edamame can be used in various recipes and be part of the main dish. Edamame pods can be used to make a stew, combined with ingredients like zucchini and tomatoes. You can also use the pods to make rice or a healthy salad.

Edamame can be combined with a wide variety of products, from asparagus to mushrooms and beets, and from couscous to quinoa.

Sweet Peas vs. Edamame: Nutrition Facts

Both dried peas and edamame are healthy legumes with low caloric value, a good amount of fiber and beneficial minerals and vitamins for your overall health.

These are the nutrition facts for 100 grams of raw dried peas and edamame . Note that edamame, unlike dried peas, is eaten without the shell.

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Edamame is high in protein and is a good source of dietary fiber . Edamame beans contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as numerous minerals and vitamins.

Sugar snap peas are a notable source of fiber . Incorporating dried peas into your diet will strengthen your bones, boost your immune system, and boost your heart health.

What makes dried peas stand out is their vitamin C content. 100 grams of red peas will cover your daily need for this essential vitamin.