How to Blanch Food
How to Steam or Boiling Water Blanch Food - The Easiest Ways To Blanch Food For Freezing And Dehydrating
Equipment
Materials
- Food Whatever you will be blanching, vegetables, fruit, tomatoes, etc
Instructions
Boiling water blanching
- Fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
- when it is boiling (and steaming) add your basket with the prepared food (chopped, sliced, peeled dependent on the food)
- Start timing when the water returns to a boil.
- Move food immediately to a cold/ice water bath to stop the cooking.
- Pat food dry with paper towels if needed and package.
Steam Blanching
- Put a few inches of water in a pot and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Add water to the pot as needed so it does not boil dry.
- When it is boiling (and steaming) add your basket with a single layer of the prepared food (chopped, sliced, peeled dependent on the food) You want to do this in small batches so the steam circulates and covers all the food in the basket.
- Start timing right away.
- Move food immediately to a large bowl of cold/ice water to stop the cooking.
- Pat food dry with paper towels if needed and package.
Notes
If you are blanching for food preservation, every food type will have different timing instructions. Boiling water blanching will also be different time than steam blanching. Check each food type for accurate timing requirements for preserving food.
If you are just blanching food for your dinner. Just do it to taste. Most people like a slightly crunchy but cooked texture.