handy blanching guide for vegetables
vegetable . maturity desired . how prepared . blanching boiling water steam
asparagus . tender tips best . cut to 6-inch lengths . small 3 mins/large 4 min .
beans, lima . young, tender . shell . small 2 mins, medium 3 mins, large 4 mins.
beans, snap . tender, crisp . snip ends, cut into inch lengths or French style . 3 mins.
peas . young, tender sweet, not starchy . shell, wash .