When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
While not all varieties smell so sweet, there are plenty of sweet-smelling sweet pea cultivars. Because of their name, there is some confusion as to whether you can eat sweet peas. They certainly sound like they might be edible. So, are sweet pea plants toxic, or are sweet pea blossoms or pods edible?
Wild sweet peas are flowering vines that belong to the genus Lathyrus There are over 160 species of wild sweet peas found worldwide. Many people wonder – can you eat wild sweet peas or are they poisonous? Let’s explore the facts around the edibility and toxicity of these pretty wild bloomers
A Long History of Use
Indigenous peoples across North America have traditionally consumed various parts of wild sweet peas. For example the beach pea (Lathyrus japonicus) was eaten by coastal First Nations from Alaska to Maine. Plains tribes like the Omaha gathered the prairie pea (Lathyrus polymorphus) and the Cochiti peoples of New Mexico collected the tendrils of Lathyrus pauciflorus.
Research shows that at least 12 species of wild sweet pea in North America were part of Native American diets. This demonstrates that wild peas can be safely eaten in moderation as part of a varied diet. So where did the myth originate that wild peas are toxic?
The Myth of Poison Peas
The belief that wild sweet peas are universally toxic appears to stem from a misunderstanding around one particular cultivated species called the grass pea or chickling vetch (Lathyrus sativus). This Eurasian pea contains a neurotoxin called ODAP that can cause lathyrism if consumed in very large quantities over months as a mono-crop.
However, research confirms that eating small portions of grass peas along with other foods is safe for most people. At some point, the potential risks of overconsuming this one species seem to have morphed into a vague warning against all wild peas. But in reality, most wild sweet peas are harmless when eaten occasionally as part of a diverse diet.
Identifying Edible Species
To identify potentially edible wild sweet peas, start by looking for the distinctive papilionaceous pea flowers. The blooms come in colors like purple, pink, white, or blue. The plants produce slender seed pods containing the peas.
Pay attention to size and stem shape to distinguish sweet peas from vetch, a non-toxic lookalike. Sweet peas tend to be large vines with angular, winged stems while vetch has thinner round stems. Of course, positively identifying any wild edible takes practice and multiple guides.
Harvesting and Eating Wild Peas
Wild sweet peas can be harvested at different stages. The flowers make lovely garnishes and tea. The young shoots and tendrils are good lightly cooked. Once pods form, eat the peas fresh like snow peas or shell and cook them. Mature peas can be dried and used like beans or lentils.
To get the most from foraged peas:
- Boil young pods briefly to soften before eating
- Shell fresh peas right before cooking for best flavor
- Time dry pea gathering carefully just as pods brown
- Store dried peas loosely to allow for popping
- Enjoy peas fresh or cooked in soups, grains, and more
The Takeaway
While a few wild pea species contain toxins, most are perfectly safe to eat in moderation as part of a varied diet. North Americans have traditionally enjoyed wild peas for centuries with no issues when consumed carefully. With proper ID and care not to overindulge, you can add pretty wild peas to your edible foraging. Just be sure to pair any wild foods with other foraged and cultivated plants for a balanced diet.
So don’t fear those beautiful wild peas on your next foraging adventure. With some basic knowledge, you can gather these free and flavorful foods to add novelty and nutrition to your regular meals. Just don’t forget to leave some peas behind to produce next year’s bounty!
Are Sweet Pea Blossoms or Pods Edible?
Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) reside in the genus Lathyrus in the family Fabaceae of legumes. They are native to Sicily, southern Italy, and the Aegean Island. The first written record of the sweet pea appeared in 1695 in the writings of Francisco Cupani. He later passed the seeds onto a botanist at the medical school in Amsterdam who later published a paper on sweet peas, including the first botanical illustration.
Darlings of the late Victorian era, sweet peas were cross-bred and developed by a Scottish nurseryman by the name of Henry Eckford. Soon this fragrant garden climber was beloved throughout the United States. These romantic annual climbers are known for their vivid colors, aroma, and lengthy bloom time.
They blossom continuously in cooler climates but can be enjoyed by those in warmer regions as well. Sow seeds in the early spring in the northern regions of the States and in the fall for southern areas. Protect the delicate blossoms from the ravages of intense afternoon heat and mulch around the plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temps to extend the bloom time of these little beauties.
Since they are members of the legume family, people often wonder, can you eat sweet peas? No! All sweet peas plants are toxic. You’ve probably heard that pea vine can be eaten (and boy, is it delicious!), but that is in reference to the English pea (Pisum sativum), a completely different animal than sweet peas. There is, in fact, some toxicity to sweet peas.
The seeds of sweet peas are mildly poisonous, containing lathyrogens that, if ingested, in large quantities can cause a condition called Lathyrus. Symptoms of Lathyrus are paralysis, labored breathing, and convulsions. There is a related species called Lathyrus sativus, which is cultivated for consumption by humans and animals.
Even so, this high protein seed, when eaten in excess over prolonged periods, can cause a disease, lathyrism, that results in paralysis below the knees in adults and brain damage in children. This is generally seen to occur after famines where the seed is often the only source of nutrition for extended periods of time.
Wild Edibles With Sergei Boutenko: Wild Sweet Pea–Lathyrus latifolius + Search Image & Meristems
FAQ
Are wild sweet peas safe to eat?
Since they are members of the legume family, people often wonder, can you eat sweet peas? No! All sweet peas plants are toxic.Apr 4, 2021
Can you eat raw sweet peas?
Garden peas are sometimes called sweet peas or English peas. The pods are firm and rounded, but you must shell them, remove the peas inside, then discard the pods before eating. The peas are sweet and may be eaten raw or cooked; these are the peas you typically see canned or in the freezer section.
Are all sweet pea plants edible?
Although garden peas, (Pisum sativum) such as English peas, edible podded peas and snow peas are edible, sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are poisonous – especially the flowers and seeds. There are four ways to classify sweet peas. They are habit, flower form, fragrance, or day length response.
How can you tell the difference between sweet peas and edible peas?
Even though the sweet pea pods are poisonous, there’s no problem distinguishing between them. The flower pods are shorter, skinnier, furry, and grey-green. The edible pod pea pods are longer, broader, more filled-out, shiny-surfaced, and bright green.
Can you eat sweet peas?
Here’s how it works. While not all varieties smell so sweet, there are plenty of sweet-smelling sweet pea cultivars. Because of their name, there is some confusion as to whether you can eat sweet peas. They certainly sound like they might be edible.
Are peas kidney-friendly?
They don’t have any specific benefits for the kidneys, but they are good for your overall health. However, in cases of established kidney disease, they need to be consumed in moderation due to the high potassium content present in them.
Can you eat wild peas?
You can use wild peas at all stages of growth. I like the pretty flowers as a garnish for a dish (they taste like peas), and the young pea shoots are every bit as good as the kind you get at fancy farmer’s markets. As for the peas themselves, I’ve eaten them anywhere from the “snow pea” stage all the way to dry beans.
Are sweet peas edible?
Ornamental sweet peas are not edible, they are toxic and should not be eaten! The common sweet pea, Lathyrus odoratus is an ornamental leguminous annual climbing plant which is native to southern Italy, and is grown purely for its very fragrant and colourful flowers. Are Sweet Peas and Edible Peas Related?
Can diabetics eat sweet peas?
Yes, sweet peas can be consumed by individuals with diabetes. Their low glycemic index and fiber content help regulate blood sugar levels. However, as with any food, portion control is crucial. 9. Can I feed sweet peas to my baby? Sweet peas are safe for babies and can be introduced to their diet once they start consuming solid foods.
Are sweet peas healthy?
Absolutely! Sweet peas offer a range of health benefits due to their high nutrient content. They are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, potassium, and iron. 7. Can sweet peas help with weight loss?