Calories in Peas, green, sweet
Sweet green peas are technically seeds whose wrinkled skin hides a genetic mutation that blocks starch production.
What makes peas so powerful?
Most people recognize sweet green peas as a simple side dish, but their signature wrinkled appearance is the result of a specific genetic mutation. Unlike smooth-skinned field peas, garden peas carry a recessive allele on the *R* gene that disrupts the activity of a starch-branching enzyme. Because this enzyme is impaired, the peas synthesize less starch and accumulate higher concentrations of sucrose, giving them their characteristic sweetness. However, this high-sugar, low-starch profile comes with a culinary catch: the moment peas are picked, their enzymes begin rapidly converting that sucrose into starch, rendering them mealy and dull within hours. This is why commercial producers flash-freeze sweet peas within hours of harvest. The rapid drop in temperature halts the enzymatic conversion, locking in the sweetness that would otherwise be lost. Gregor Mendel famously used *Pisum sativum* to observe these exact round versus wrinkled traits, unknowingly laying the foundation for modern genetics while documenting the very chemistry that makes sweet peas so appealing.
To preserve their delicate sweetness, cook sweet peas briefly—no more than two to three minutes in boiling water or a quick steam—since prolonged heat turns their sugars starchy and dulls their vibrant green color. Pair them with a fat source like butter or olive oil to enhance the absorption of their fat-soluble vitamins, particularly vitamin K. If using frozen peas, add them directly to hot dishes without thawing to prevent them from becoming mushy and losing their satisfying bite.
Calories by Serving Size
Full Nutrition Facts
Per 100g — daily values based on a 2,000 calorie diet
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in Peas, green, sweet?
Peas, green, sweet contains 80 calories per 100g. A standard serving of 1 RACC (130g) provides 104 calories. It is a moderate-calorie food that can fit into most healthy diets.
How much protein does Peas, green, sweet have?
Peas, green, sweet provides 4.73g of protein per 100g, which is 9% of the 50g daily recommended value. It is not a primary protein source.
How many carbs are in Peas, green, sweet?
Peas, green, sweet contains 12.7g of carbohydrates per 100g .
Is Peas, green, sweet good for weight loss?
Peas, green, sweet has 80 kcal per 100g, which is relatively moderate. It can fit into a weight-loss diet as long as portion sizes are managed.
How do I track Peas, green, sweet calories accurately?
The easiest way to track peas is with CalRay. Simply snap a photo of your meal and the AI will automatically identify the food and calculate calories and macros based on the estimated portion size — no manual lookup required. You can also search by name and adjust gram weight manually.