Our late planting of snap peas is holding on far longer then one would expect- I picked a handful of tender pods this morning- July 12!
Peas should be planted as early as possible because they are theoretically supposed to stop producing once the temperatures hit the 90s. Now I know we have seen 90 degree weather this summer but yet those last few plants just keeps putting out peas!
I have some cognitive dissonance when it comes to peas. In general my philosophy regarding snap and snow peas is similar to the way I feel about fresh baked challah rolls, hot chocolate chip cookies and some other things...it will never be as good as it is hot off the pan (or straight off the vine).
I know conventional wisdom (and my mother) would have the cookies cooled and saved for the guests and the peas picked and used in a dish...but with some things, you only get that one chance to have the full experience... and picking peas off the vine and popping them into your mouth- that fantastic candy crunch of sweet grassy goodness- that is one of them.
On the other hand...one of my favorite dishes is this simple stir fry which is also a serious seasonal delight...