How did sugar snap peas get their name?

The name "sugar snap peas" comes from the fact that the pod of the pea does not have the tough string or stringiness along the side of the seam that is found with most pea varieties.

Unlike string beans, this string in garden pea pods needs to be removed before adding the peas to soup or salad otherwise it'll make the food stringy.

If you can "snap" the pea in two with your hands without any tough strings in the way, the pea is a "snap" pea.

The "sugar" part of the name comes from the sweet flavor of the edible pod.

Sugar snap peas are typically eaten raw and they are a popular ingredient in salads, stir-fries, and other dishes.