How to Blanch Green Beans

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl of ice water.

Trim the green beans by snapping off or chopping off the ends.

Add the beans to the boiling water and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until just tender but still bright green (taste to assess doneness). French green beans or haricot verts take 3 to 4 minutes, since they’re thinner and more tender. If you’re blanching to freeze beans, boil for 2 minutes. Then immediately remove the beans from the boiling water with tongs and transfer them to the bowl of ice water.

After 2 minutes, remove the beans to a colander to drain. Use in recipes like Green Bean Salad or Nicoise Salad , or you can freeze them. Pat them dry with a towel, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up 6 to 8 months. (See more at How to Freeze Green Beans .)