How To Store Cabbage (Whole, Cut, or Shredded) (2024)

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By Taesha Butler (Updated January 11, 2023) Leave a Comment

Not sure how to store cabbage? I’ve got you covered! Here are my tips to storing a whole head of cabbage and what you need to know about how to keep cut or or shredded cabbage fresh for as long as possible.

How To Store Cabbage (Whole, Cut, or Shredded) (1)

Table of contents

  1. How to select a cabbage
  2. How to store a head of cabbage
  3. How to store cabbage after is has been cut
  4. How to store shredded cabbage
  5. Recipes that use cabbage
  6. Other useful vegetable how-tos

How to select a cabbage

I see fresh cabbages in the store pretty much all year long, so this recipe is a great side dish to enjoy during any season. However, when selecting a cabbage at the store or market, look for:

  • a cabbage that is firm. A soft cabbage means that it is old and on its way to the compost pile.
  • heads of cabbage with crisp, brightly colored leaves. Avoid heads that have yellowing or wilted looking leaves.
  • cabbage that is free of cracks or bruises. These will result in a cabbage rotting faster.

How to store a head of cabbage

Once you have the perfect head of cabbage in hand, be sure to store it properly so that it is fresh, delicious and perfect for when you are ready to make these roasted cabbage steaks.

  • Don’t wash the cabbage until you are ready to use it.
  • Place your cabbage in the crisper drawerand/or in a large plastic storage bag to hold in its natural moisture.
  • Don’t cut it, ideally. When you cut a cabbage, it can start to brown and lose moisture much faster than a whole head. If you have a partial head of cabbage, be sure to store it in an air tight container to lock in moisture and minimize air getting to it.
  • Use a head of cabbage within a month, though they can last for up to two months when stored properly.
How To Store Cabbage (Whole, Cut, or Shredded) (2)

How to store cabbage after it is cut

So, while it is ideal to keep your cabbage whole while storing it, those suckers can be big and eating one in one meal or recipe isn’t always going to happen. Here is how to store shredded or cut cabbage to keep it fresh for as long as possible.

How to store cut cabbage:

  • Either wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, in a large plastic bag, or in an air-tight container in your crisper. This will help to lock in your cabbage’s natural moisture and reduce oxidation.
  • Cut cabbage should be used in 2-3 days.

How to store shredded cabbage:

  • Place shredded cabbage in a tightly sealing plastic bag or air-tight container.
  • Store in coldest part of your fridge.
  • Shredded cabbage should stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored properly.
How To Store Cabbage (Whole, Cut, or Shredded) (3)
How To Store Cabbage (Whole, Cut, or Shredded) (4)

Recipes that include cabbage

These are some of my favorite cabbage recipes that will help you not only use up your veggie while it is still fresh, but enjoy how wonderfully diverse cabbage can be.

Tex-Mex Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Avocado Sauce

Sheet Pan Orange Tofu & Veggies

Egg Roll Meatballs

Slow cooker corned beef

Spicy Cabbage Soup

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How To Store Cabbage (Whole, Cut, or Shredded) (2024)

FAQs

How To Store Cabbage (Whole, Cut, or Shredded)? ›

Place your cabbage in the crisper drawer and/or in a large plastic storage bag to hold in its natural moisture. Don't cut it, ideally. When you cut a cabbage, it can start to brown and lose moisture much faster than a whole head.

What is the best way to store cut cabbage? ›

Cut Cabbage: – Either wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, in a large plastic bag, or in an air-tight container in your crisper. This will help to lock in your cabbage's natural moisture and reduce oxidation. – Cut cabbage should be used in 2-3 days.

How long will cut cabbage last in the fridge? ›

Tips for storing cabbage

Wrapped tightly in plastic, a head of cabbage will keep for about two weeks in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Once cut, use cabbage within 2-3 days. Cover and refrigerate cooked cabbage within two hours of cooking and use within 3-5 days.

Can I store shredded cabbage in water? ›

After cutting your cabbage, put it in a bowl of water, then store the bowl in your fridge and let the cabbage soak until you're ready to use it. Drain and dry the soaked cabbage very well to avoid making your dishes watery or soggy, then enjoy your super fresh-tasting cabbage, whether you keep it raw or cook with it.

Can you freeze raw cabbage? ›

You sure can. This leafy vegetable is versatile in the kitchen and adapts well to the freezing process. Families who grow cabbage count on it for year-round nutrition that's easily incorporated into meal-time menus.

Can you freeze cut cabbage? ›

Once the cabbage is cut, whether in strips or leaves, or in any other size and shape, you can either freeze it right away or blanch it, drain it, and then freeze it. It's important to make sure the blanched cabbage is as dry as possible before frozen to avoid freezer burn.

How long does cabbage last uncut? ›

Try to minimize any bruising of your cabbages. Any kind of cell damage makes the cabbage go by more quickly and degrades the vitamin C content. If cabbage is properly stored, it can last from 3 weeks to up to 2 months in your refrigerator. In optimum root cellar conditions, it can even last longer.

Why do you soak shredded cabbage in water? ›

Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if it's soaked in cold water.

Do you wash cabbage before or after shredding? ›

How to Cut Cabbage the Right Way
  1. Wash the Cabbage and Remove the Outer Leaves. Run your head of cabbage under the kitchen tap, removing any dirt or grit by lightly scrubbing with your fingers or a cleaning brush. ...
  2. Quarter the Cabbage. ...
  3. Remove the Core. ...
  4. Shred the Cabbage.
Aug 11, 2017

How do you know if cabbage has gone bad? ›

— Discoloration: Any black, brown, or yellow spots may indicate spoilage. — Bad smell: Spoiled cabbage often smells foul or sour. — Slimy texture: If the cabbage leaves become slimy, it's time to discard it.

Can you freeze shredded cabbage for later use? ›

Shredded cabbage or cabbage cut into strips is a natural fit for quick stir-fries and pasta dishes. It's also ideal for making soup and can often be used straight from the freezer.

Is drinking cabbage water good for you? ›

Drinking cabbage water can have a positive impact on your digestive system. It contains natural compounds that aid in digestion and help relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and constipation. Cabbage water is also rich in dietary fiber, which promotes regular bowel movements and contributes to a healthy gut.

Can I freeze fresh cabbage raw? ›

“Freezing it raw will preserve the texture slightly better than freezing it blanched, but it will still suffer from some breakdown of the cell structure, resulting in softness when thawed; you will never achieve the crispness of raw cabbage once it's frozen,” says Chen McCarthy.

How do you store or freeze cabbage? ›

Quick-freeze cabbage individually on a cookie sheet. Cabbage should freeze in 12 to 24 hours, depending on how large your wedges are. After it's frozen, toss wedges into freezer bags in bulk. Before sealing, remove as much air as possible from bags.

Do you have to wash cabbage after cutting? ›

Remove the thick outer leaves of the cabbage head. Cut the cabbage into wedges. Rinse the wedges in a colander under running water. Shake them dry as best as you can, then pat them with a clean cotton towel to remove additional moisture.

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