Blanching green beans is a simple and effective way to preserve their bright color, crisp texture, and nutritional value. This guide will teach you how to blanch beans in 12 easy steps.

1. Choose fresh beans: Select beans that are firm, bright green, and without any blemishes. The fresher the bean, the better the result.

2. Wash the beans: Rinse the green beans under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.

3. Trim the ends: Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to trim off the stem ends of the beans.

4. Prepare an ice bath: Fill a large bowl with cold water and add a generous amount of ice. The ice bath will be used later on to stop the cooking process quickly.

5. Boil a pot of water: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.

6. Salt the water: Add around 1 tablespoon of salt per quart of water to enhance the flavor and help retain the green color of the beans.

7. Blanching time: Once the water is boiling, carefully add your trimmed green beans into the pot with a slotted spoon or strainer.

8. Cook: Let your green beans cook in boiling water for 2-4 minutes, depending on their size and desired tenderness. The beans should maintain their vibrant green color and remain slightly crispy.

9. Test for doneness: To test if your green beans are done, remove one from boiling water using tongs or a slotted spoon, and taste for texture and tenderness. If it meets your preferences, you’re ready to move on to step 10.

10. Transfer to ice bath: Remove beans from drying quickly by using tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer them from boiling water straight into the prepared ice bath.

11. Cool entirely: Let beans sit in the ice bath for a few minutes until they are completely cooled down. This process stops the cooking and helps retain their bright green color and crisp texture.

12. Drain and dry: Remove the blanched beans from the ice bath, gently shake off excess water, and transfer them to a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to dry. Your blanched green beans are now ready for consumption, storage, or use in your favorite recipes.

Enjoy incorporating fresh, crisp, and delicious blanched green beans into salads, stir-fries, or side dishes, knowing you’ve mastered the art of blanching with these 12 simple steps.