Pod group NYT crossword clue

The clue “Pod group” points to the answer PEAS. This refers to the common vegetable that grows in pods, where multiple peas are typically found clustered together. In botanical terms, a “pod” is the outer shell or casing that contains the seeds of certain plants—like peas—making them a literal “group” found within a pod.

This clue is a clever use of double meaning. While “pod” can refer to animal groups (like dolphins or orcas), in this case it shifts to a more everyday, food-related context. Crossword clues like this are designed to mislead slightly and reward solvers who consider all possible interpretations of a word.