What fundamental difference exists between consuming snap peas and shelling peas regarding which edible parts of the plant are utilized?

The entire pod of the snap pea is edible, unlike shelling peas where only the seeds are consumed.

Snap peas are classified as edible-podded legumes, which means the entire structure—the pod wall and the developing peas within—is intended for consumption, contributing to their high nutritional density per serving. This contrasts sharply with shelling peas (or garden peas). With shelling peas, the mature pod is tough and fibrous, serving primarily as a protective vessel, and is consequently discarded; only the individual seeds (the peas themselves) are harvested and eaten. This characteristic of eating the snap pea pod whole increases the overall intake of fiber, vitamins, and minerals in a single serving compared to preparations that discard any part of the vegetable.