The Carouby de Maussane snow pea is a French heirloom variety known for its prolific yield of large, tender pods. Originating near Avignon, France, it is popular among home gardeners for its exceptional flavor and robust growth. Its broad, flat pods remain sweet and stringless, even when sizable.
Growing Carouby de Maussane Snow Peas
Carouby de Maussane snow peas thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They prefer well-draining soil, rich in organic matter, with a neutral pH. Amending the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before sowing improves structure and fertility.
Plant in early spring, four to six weeks before the last frost, or in late summer for a fall harvest, when soil temperatures exceed 7°C (45°F). Sow seeds 2.5 to 4 cm (1 to 1.5 inches) deep and 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 inches) apart. If planting multiple rows, space them 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24 inches) apart for air circulation and access.
These peas are vigorous climbers, reaching 1.5 to 1.8 meters (5 to 6 feet), requiring sturdy support. Trellises, netting, or pea sticks prevent sprawling, aiding air circulation and pest management. Provide support early, when seedlings are 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) tall, to guide their growth.
Water consistently, especially during flowering and pod development. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged to prevent root issues. While peas are not heavy feeders, a monthly application of balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea can benefit plants in less fertile soils or containers.
Monitor for common pea pests like aphids and pea weevils. A strong spray of water can dislodge aphids, and beneficial insects control populations. While powdery mildew is a common fungal issue, Carouby de Maussane shows some resistance and heat tolerance. Good air circulation through proper spacing and trellising helps prevent fungal diseases.
Harvesting and Culinary Uses
Harvest Carouby de Maussane snow peas at the correct stage for best flavor and texture. Pods are ready when large, flat, and crisp, before the peas inside swell significantly. They can reach 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) while remaining tender and stringless. Regular picking encourages more pods, extending the harvest.
Gently snap or snip pods from the vine to avoid plant damage. The “snap” test, where a pod breaks cleanly when bent, indicates freshness and readiness. Harvesting every one to two days during peak season maximizes yield.
Consume fresh snow peas soon after harvesting for optimal crispness and flavor. Store them in the refrigerator’s crisper section for two to three days. For longer storage, blanching and freezing preserves their texture and sweetness.
Carouby de Maussane snow peas are versatile. Their sweet, tender pods are excellent raw as a snack or in salads. They are popular in stir-fries, adding a delightful crispness. Lightly steaming or sautéing them with butter and mint highlights their natural sweetness. The tender vine tips and top leaves can also be harvested for salads or stir-fries.
Why Choose Carouby de Maussane?
The Carouby de Maussane snow pea stands out for several reasons. Its exceptional flavor offers remarkable sweetness and crisp texture, even in large pods. It produces unusually large, broad pods, often 12 to 15 cm (5 to 6 inches) long, contributing to high productivity. The pods remain stringless, even when left on the vine longer.
This heirloom pea exhibits strong growth, with vines up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) tall. It is also heat tolerant and shows some resistance to powdery mildew, making it robust for various growing conditions. The plant also adds ornamental value, producing beautiful bicolored flowers that transition from pink and maroon to purple and sky blue as they mature, making it a decorative addition to flower borders.
Its heirloom status highlights its consistent quality and historical significance. Originating from France in the 19th century, it is a time-honored variety known for reliable performance and superior attributes. This combination of flavor, yield, resilience, and aesthetic appeal makes Carouby de Maussane a desirable choice for home gardeners.