Rule #5: Shock the Vegetables in
Ice Water and Dry Carefully
I’ve recently been reading conflicting reports on
whether or not shocking in ice water is essential. It
is, and it’s easy enough to prove: Blanch a big ol’
pile of peas, take them out, and put them into a bowl
without shocking them in ice water. Let them cool.
You’ll find that the peas at the bottom and center of
the pile will be overcooked by the time you dig ’em
up.
This is because the reactions that cause a pea to