Fun With Peas & Broccolini!
Thanks to David Conklin for the photo of Eddy!
We hope you are relishing in the abundance of summer and enjoying the fresh produce that our farm has to offer. As the summer sun shines upon us, our fields are flourishing with a variety of vibrant produce. Here are some fun facts about two delicious items coming your way this week – sugar snap peas and broccolini!
Fun Facts About Snap Peas
Snap peas, also known as sugar snap peas, are a delightful and nutritious addition to any meal. Here are some fun facts about these crunchy and sweet vegetables:
- Edible Pods: Unlike garden peas, snap peas have edible pods that are tender and sweet. This means you can enjoy the whole pea pod without needing to shell them. In French, they are called “mangetout,” which translates literally to “eat it all.”
- Cross between Peas: Snap peas are a cross between garden peas (Pisum sativum) and snow peas (Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon). They were developed to combine the sweetness of garden peas with the crunchy texture of snow peas.
- Nutrient-Rich: Snap peas are packed with nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants. They make a healthy and delicious snack or addition to salads and stir-fries.
- Origins: Snap peas were first developed in the 1970s by plant breeders looking to create a pea variety with both edible pods and a sweeter flavor profile.
- Culinary History: Peas, including snap peas, have been cultivated for thousands of years and are believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region. They have since become a staple in cuisines around the world.
Fun Facts About Broccolini
Broccolini, also known as baby broccoli or aspiration, is a unique and delicious vegetable that combines the flavors of broccoli and Chinese kale. Here are some fun facts about broccolini:
- Hybrid Vegetable: Broccolini is a hybrid vegetable that was developed by crossing broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) with Chinese broccoli or gai lan (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra). It was first introduced in the early 1990s.
- Nutritional Value: Like broccoli, broccolini is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. It’s a nutritious addition to any diet and offers similar health benefits to its parent vegetables.
- Quick Cooking Time: Due to its smaller size and tender stems, broccolini cooks faster than traditional broccoli. It retains its bright green color and crisp texture when lightly cooked, making it a great choice for quick meals.
- Culinary Uses: It pairs well with garlic, lemon, olive oil, and various herbs and spices. It can be added to pasta dishes, stir-fries, quiches, soups, and more to enhance both flavor and nutritional content.
- Health Benefits: Regular consumption of broccolini, like other cruciferous vegetables, is associated with numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases and support for overall health and wellness.
~Eddy