Why You Should Be Blanching Your Green Beans

Green beans are a timeless favorite at the dinner table. This hardy little legume is easy to grow and boasts a lengthy growing season, being harvested around the U.S. from May through October. Green beans are one of the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens across America thanks to their resilient nature and popularity at mealtime. If you don't have access to a garden or local farmer's market, you're sure to find them at your local grocer. What we don't produce here, we import from all over the world, which is why fresh ones are available year-round. 

Not only are they accessible, but green beans are also easy to prepare, making them a go-to veggie for home chefs. You can cook green beans in an Instant Pot or even steam them in the microwave. But if you want to elevate your green bean eating experience, there's one simple step you can take to ensure yours are the brightest, juiciest, delicious beans they can be. Blanching your green beans only takes a few extra minutes, and the result is much better than the alternative or what you get out of a can. 

Blanching is a prep technique that involves boiling vegetables, then shocking them in an ice-water bath. The quick cooling halts the enzymatic action that leads to the loss of flavor, texture, and color — the kind that comes from boiling too long. Blanching will give you brighter-colored beans that retain their nutrients and vitamins better. Another benefit is that it helps remove dirt, microorganisms, and pesticides, since they are passed through an additional tub of water.

To begin, add trimmed beans to a pot of lightly salted boiling water. Make sure you don't crowd the pot, as this will slow down the process; your water should return to boiling within a minute of adding the beans (if it takes much longer than that, you've probably overstuffed the pot). Once the green beans have spent around three or four minutes in hot water and you see them turn a more vibrant green, they're ready to be shocked. Don't spare the ice because it will melt quickly. A large towel will suffice for a hand dry, but if you need them to be completely free of excess water, consider using a salad spinner. 

Once your green beans have been blanched, you can store them for later or eat them right away. Blanched green beans are delicious to eat on their own, or you can toss them on a salad or pair them with your favorite veggie dip for a nutritious snack or side dish.