If you're looking for a tasty and nutritious vegetable to add to your meals, look no further than the sugar snap pea! A 3/4 cup serving of Simply Steam sugar snap peas contains just 45 calories, making it a great low-calorie option.

But don't let the low calorie count fool you - sugar snap peas are packed with nutrients. They're a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and minerals like iron and potassium. Plus, they're easy to prepare and versatile in the kitchen.

In this article, we'll explore the health benefits of sugar snap peas, how to cook and store Simply Steam sugar snap peas, recipe ideas, and more.

What are Sugar Snap Peas?

Sugar snap peas are a type of edible podded pea that is harvested when the pea pods are young and crisp. They're similar to snow peas, but sugar snap peas are thicker and rounder with a distinctive crunch. Sugar snap peas originated in the 1970s, when a plant breeder named Calvin Lamborn developed a new variety of pea that was sweeter and more flavorful than traditional garden peas. Today, sugar snap peas are grown and enjoyed all over the world. Sugar snap peas can be eaten raw or cooked, and they're a popular ingredient in stir-fries, salads, and side dishes.

Health Benefits of Sugar Snap Peas

One of the main benefits of adding sugar snap peas to your diet is their high fiber content. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help lower cholesterol levels. Sugar snap peas are also a good source of vitamin C, which is important for immune system function and skin health. In addition, sugar snap peas contain a variety of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which may help protect against chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Finally, sugar snap peas are low in calories but high in volume, which means they can help fill you up without contributing excess calories to your diet.

Simply Steam Sugar Snap Pea Calories

A 3/4 cup serving of Simply Steam sugar snap peas contains just 45 calories. This makes them a great low-calorie option if you're looking to control your calorie intake.

Nutritional Value of Simply Steam Sugar Snap Peas

In addition to their low calorie count, Simply Steam sugar snap peas are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and minerals like iron and potassium. A 3/4 cup serving of Simply Steam sugar snap peas contains 2 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, 10% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C, and 4% of your daily recommended intake of iron.

How to Cook Simply Steam Sugar Snap Peas

One of the best things about Simply Steam sugar snap peas is how easy they are to prepare. Simply steam them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until they're bright green and tender. Alternatively, you can sauté sugar snap peas with garlic and olive oil for a flavorful side dish, or add them to stir-fries and salads for extra crunch and nutrition.

Storage Tips for Simply Steam Sugar Snap Peas

To keep Simply Steam sugar snap peas fresh, store them in the refrigerator in a sealed container or plastic bag. They'll last for up to five days this way. If you have leftover cooked sugar snap peas, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Simply Steam Sugar Snap Pea Recipe Ideas

Looking for inspiration on how to use Simply Steam sugar snap peas in your cooking? Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started: - Sauté sugar snap peas with garlic and olive oil for a simple, flavorful side dish. - Add sugar snap peas to stir-fries, along with other veggies and protein like chicken or tofu. - Make a sugar snap pea salad with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. - Stir sugar snap peas into soup or stew for extra nutrition and crunch.

Ways to Incorporate Simply Steam Sugar Snap Peas into Your Diet

There are plenty of ways to incorporate Simply Steam sugar snap peas into your diet, whether as a snack or as part of a meal. Here are a few ideas: - Eat raw sugar snap peas with hummus or guacamole as a healthy snack. - Add sugar snap peas to omelettes or scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast. - Make sugar snap peas the star of a simple stir-fry, along with other veggies and protein like tofu, shrimp, or chicken. - Toss sugar snap peas into pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara for extra nutrition and texture.

Simply Steam Sugar Snap Peas vs. Fresh Sugar Snap Peas

While Simply Steam sugar snap peas are a convenient and easy option, some people may prefer to eat fresh sugar snap peas. Fresh sugar snap peas are available in most grocery stores and farmers markets, especially in the spring and early summer. The main difference between Simply Steam sugar snap peas and fresh sugar snap peas is the texture - fresh sugar snap peas will have a crisper texture and a fresher taste. However, if you're short on time or don't want to worry about cleaning and cooking fresh sugar snap peas, Simply Steam sugar snap peas are a great option.

Other Simply Steam Vegetable Options

If you're looking for other healthy and convenient vegetable options, Simply Steam offers a variety of other steam-in-bag vegetables. Some options include broccoli, green beans, and carrots. These vegetables are pre-washed, pre-cut, and ready to eat - simply steam them in the bag for a quick and easy side dish. Plus, they're a great way to get more veggies into your diet without the hassle of prep and clean-up.