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Photo: Daniel Grizelj/Getty ImagesCabbage is an incredibly versatile vegetable, perfect for adding to a variety of dishes. From stuffed cabbage and hearty stews to salads, grilled cabbage, and casseroles, this affordable and nutritious veggie is always a great addition to your fridge. The best part? You can extend its shelf life by weeks, or even months, with the proper storage techniques.
It’s incredibly frustrating to buy a head of cabbage only to find it’s no longer fresh once you cut into it. Vegetables like cabbage and lettuce can be tricky because it’s hard to predict the quality of the inner leaves. Pre-shredded lettuce, for example, spoils quickly and needs to be used within a day or two. When selecting a head of cabbage, make sure it feels firm and heavy, but not too large. The leaves should be green, crisp, and free from browning. While cabbage is available year-round, the best quality tends to be found from April to November. Avoid cabbage with wilting, holes, brown spots, or dried tips, as these are clear signs of spoilage. Here’s how to store cabbage to maintain its freshness, whether it’s whole, cut, or shredded.
How to Store a Head of Cabbage
Believe it or not, if stored correctly, a head of cabbage can remain fresh in your refrigerator for up to two months. If you’re not planning to use it right away, don’t wash it. Simply place it in a plastic bag and store it in the crisper drawer of your fridge. You’ll be amazed at how long it stays crisp and vibrant.
How to Store Cut Cabbage
If you only need part of a cabbage, you can keep the leftover pieces in the fridge for up to three days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, place it in a large plastic bag, or store it in an airtight food container. The goal is to retain moisture to prevent oxidation, keeping your cabbage fresh for a few extra days.
How to Store Shredded Cabbage
Having pre-shredded cabbage ready to go is a fantastic way to prep meals for the week. It can stay fresh for up to three days when kept in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag in the fridge. For the best freshness, make sure to store the shredded cabbage in the coldest section of the fridge (typically the back).
If you’re looking for creative ways to use shredded cabbage, don’t miss out on this Japanese Cabbage Pancake recipe—it’s super simple to make and takes less than 30 minutes.
Can You Freeze Cabbage?
Like many other vegetables, cabbage can be frozen for up to a year. However, there’s a process to follow before freezing it. First, never freeze a whole head of cabbage; it should be cleaned, shredded, and blanched in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes. Afterward, quickly transfer the cabbage to a bowl of ice water to halt further cooking. Spread the cabbage on a lined baking sheet, and blot dry to remove excess water. Place the sheet in the freezer for an hour so the cabbage can firm up. Finally, transfer the frozen cabbage into a reusable or freezer-friendly plastic storage bag.
When you’re ready to use your frozen cabbage, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw completely before cooking. There are plenty of delicious ways to use frozen cabbage, such as in tacos, stir-fries, casseroles, and soups.
