|
The Snow pea (Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon) belongs to Fabaceae (the Pea family). It is an annual or a biennial herb. The "Pea" has been used as a grain for a long time, but it is said that in France around the 13th century, people began eating the young pods. In Japan, the pea became a food item during the Edo period (1603-1868), and in the Meiji era (1868-1912), superior varieties were introduced from Europe and America, leading to its widespread cultivation nationwide. The snow pea has flat pods with thin walls, and both the pods and seeds are eaten together while still immature.It is also known by the alternative name "kinu-saya" (silk pod).
Among native varieties, there are "Izu-akahana" from Shizuoka Prefecture and "Atsumi-shirohana" from Aichi Prefecture, and many improved varieties are also cultivated. Additionally, large-podded varieties such as "Dutch large pod" and "French large pod", imported from Canada in the early Showa period (1926-1989), are also available.
|