Simply Delicious Personal Chef Service

...a whimsical look at how vegetable cooking times have changed over the years.
Boiling times from:
1925 - Household Helps and a Guide to Household Economy
1953 - Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook
2008 - Better Homes and Gardens website, www.bhg.com

Asparagus
1925: 15 to 30 minutes
1953: 15 to 20 minutes
2008: 3 to 5 minutes

Beans, green or wax
1925: 1 to 2 hours
1953: 20 to 30 minutes
2008: 10 to 15 minutes

Beets, whole
1925: 45 to 60 minutes
1953: 15 to 20 minutes
2008: 15 to 20 minutes

Broccoli, florets
1953: 15 to 20 minutes
2008: 8 to 10 minutes

Cabbage, wedges
1925: 45 to 60 minutes
1953: 12 to 15 minutes
2008: 6 to 8 minutes

Carrots, sliced
1925: 45 to 60 minutes
1953: 25 to 40 minutes
2008: 7 to 9 minutes

Cauliflower, florets
1925: 20 to 40 minutes
1953: 10 to 15 minutes
2008: 8 to 10 minutes

Celery
1925: 20 to 40 minutes
1953: 10 to 15 minutes
2008: 6 to 9 minutes

Corn, off the cob
1925: 15 to 20 minutes
1953: 5 to 6 minutes
2008: 4 minutes

Peas
1925: 20 to 40 minutes
1953: 10 to 20 minutes
2008: 10 to 12 minutes

Potatoes, quartered
1925: 20 to 35 minutes
1953: 30 to 40 minutes
2008: 20 to 25 minutes

Spinach
1925: 20 to 35 minutes
1953: 8 to 10 minutes
2008: 3 to 5 minutes

Squash, hard shell such as Acorn
1925: 1 to 2 hours
1953: 45 to 60 minutes
2008: 45 to 60 minutes

Tomatoes
1925: 15 to 20 minutes
1953: 12 to 15 minutes

Turnips or parsnips
1925: 30 to 45 minutes
1953: 20 to 30 minutes
2008: 10 to 12 minutes

Zucchini
1925: 20 to 30 minutes
1953: 15 to 20 minutes