Mazourek Snow Pea Breeding Medley

Mazourek Snow Pea Collection Sampler

This limited-edition sampler brings together four colorful pea varieties developed by Dr. Michael Mazourek and his team at Cornell University. Grown at Norwich Meadows Farm, the collection showcases years of breeding work to combine exceptional eating quality with pod colors rarely found in modern peas.

Your sampler includes approximately 1.5 pounds of mixed peas harvested at peak maturity, featuring Zap, Blush, Beauregarde (via Row 7), and Cardinal. Quantities of each variety may vary depending on harvest conditions.

The Story Behind These Peas

For many years, we've worked with Dr. Michael Mazourek and his team at Cornell University to help introduce exceptional new vegetable varieties to chefs, growers, and home cooks. We're excited to now be working with Michael to introduce the full collection of colorful podded peas that accompanies Beauregarde.

The wild ancestors of modern peas naturally produced colorful pods, including purple forms that originated in the Middle East. A domesticated purple-podded pea has even been rumored to have been discovered in the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Despite their long history, colorful podded peas have remained uncommon because the same pigments responsible for their striking colors also tend to produce bitterness and astringency.

Over many years, Michael's breeding program worked to change that. By crossing colorful podded peas with exceptional eating varieties, then tasting hundreds of selections each season in collaboration with Chef Dan Barber and his team at Blue Hill and Stone Barns, Michael's team gradually found plants where vibrant color and genuine sweetness could coexist. Like a great blueberry, these peas balance deep color with enough natural sweetness to tame the bitterness.

Included Varieties

• Zap — Bright yellow pods. Sweet, crisp, and exceptionally approachable.
• Blush — Golden-yellow pods brushed with soft red. Delicate, sweet flavor that's excellent raw or lightly cooked.
• Beauregarde — (via Row 7) Deep purple pods with outstanding sweetness. Holds its purple color remarkably well when steamed or braised.
• Cardinal — Rich red pods that retain much of their color during cooking while offering a balanced, sweet flavor.

How to Use

These peas are harvested when the seeds are fully developed but still tender, providing the ideal balance of sweetness and texture. Enjoy them raw as part of a vegetable platter, quickly blanched, steamed, stir-fried, grilled, or lightly braised.

The vivid colors make them particularly well suited for composed vegetable dishes, seafood, poultry, and tasting menus where presentation is as important as flavor.

Why They're Different

Most colorful podded peas never reach the marketplace because the pigments responsible for their beautiful colors are often linked to bitterness. This collection represents years of careful breeding and selection to preserve those striking colors while dramatically improving sweetness and eating quality.

These are harvested fresh—not bred for shipping or long-term storage—and are intended to be enjoyed at their peak during their brief season.

Shipping & Delivery

We ship all produce via overnight delivery nationwide.
At checkout, please select your preferred delivery date.

Order Deadlines:
• Order by Friday at 12 PM EST → Tuesday delivery
• Order by Monday at 12 PM EST → Thursday delivery
If a delivery date falls on a holiday, your box will arrive on the next available business day.