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- By Michelle Minnaar
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It’s an underrated vegetable that is healthy and delicious, but can you freeze cabbage? If so, how do you go about it? Let’s find out…
So, can you freeze cabbage?
Yes, you can! In fact, freezing cabbage is a great way to preserve this unsung hero of a vegetable.
In fact, it’s very easy to do and there are several ways to freeze cabbage.
Products you need to freeze cabbage
Here are a few key items you will need to freeze cabbage:
Can I freeze fresh cabbage raw?
Yes, you can. Raw fresh cabbage freezes well. In fact, freezing it raw is the best way to preserve the quality of the taste and texture.
Keep in mind that when freezing raw cabbage, there are two key factors that will extend the lifespan of the cabbage. The first is blanching and the second is creating an airtight seal.
Both help to prevent bacteria growth and freezer burn. More on these later.
What is the best way to preserve cabbage?
If you are planning to use your cabbage within a few days, storing it in the refrigerator makes perfect sense. You can keep your cabbage in the refrigerator for up to 5 days before it starts to lose its quality.
Still, oftentimes you’ll want to keep your cabbage for longer, especially if you’ve bought it in bulk. In which case, freezing is the way to go.
When freezing cabbage, there are several different methods you can use. Whether chopped, shredded or frozen whole, blanched or unblanched, freezing cabbage is a simple process.
How long does cabbage last in the freezer?
When blanched in boiling water and ice water first, raw cabbage lasts up to 12 months in the freezer. Unblanched cabbage lasts only 5–8 weeks.
Can I freeze cooked cabbage?
While it’s better to freeze cabbage when raw, you can also freeze cooked cabbage.
Freezing cooked cabbage is simpler than freezing it raw. It’s just a matter of cooling the cabbage before freezing, then placing it into a ziploc freezer bag or airtight container.
You can store frozen cooked cabbage for 3–5 months.
Can I freeze shredded cabbage?
Yes, you can. It’s one of the best ways to freeze it, as it allows you to freeze and thaw in smaller portions. See below for step-by-step instructions on how to freeze your cabbage when shredded.
Can you freeze whole cabbage?
Freezing a whole head of cabbage is possible, but not recommended. It takes up too much room, you can’t thaw it in smaller portions and it takes a long time to thaw a whole cabbage head.
Can you freeze cooked cabbage soup?
Yes, freezing cabbage soup or any kind of soup is simple. You just need to allow the soup to cool and place it in an airtight freezable container.
Do I need to blanch cabbage before freezing it?
Blanched cabbage has a longer lifespan and tastes better when thawed. It’s very easy to do, takes little time and is definitely worth the effort.
Can you freeze raw cabbage without blanching?
Yes, cabbage can be frozen without blanching it first. Keep in mind though, blanching extends its lifespan from 8 weeks to around 12 months.
So, if you’re not sure you’ll be able to use it within a couple of months, it’s definitely worth putting in the effort to blanch the cabbage first.
How do you thaw frozen cabbage?
The best way to thaw frozen cabbage is to transfer from the freezer to the refrigerator and defrost overnight.
I don’t recommend thawing cabbage at room temperature or in the microwave. You’ll end up with soggy, colorless cabbage. Not appetizing at all!
Of course, you don’t have to thaw frozen cabbage at all. You can add it frozen to stews, casseroles or soups and cook it in with the rest of the dish.
Tips to freeze your cabbage
Let’s recap some of the key points when it comes to the best way to freeze cabbage:
- Blanching is best – before freezing the cabbage, blanching it helps to preserve it for longer. It’s a small step, only takes a few minutes, and is definitely worth doing.
- Freeze in small portions – if you freeze the cabbage in small portions, you’ll be able to defrost just the right amount every time you need it.
- Thaw it slowly – don’t rush the thawing process. Defrost overnight or, better yet, throw the frozen cabbage straight into a stew or casserole.
How To Freeze Cabbage
Yield: frozen cabbage
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: £5
Can you freeze cabbage? Yes, you can. Find out the different ways you can do it in a few easy steps.
Materials
- Baking sheet
- Paper towels
- Freezer bags
Tools
- Large bowl
- Large pot
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
Instructions
How to freeze cabbage with blanching
- If you have bought the cabbage directly from a farm, soak it in cold salted water for 30 minutes to remove any grit or cabbage worms. Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and wash thoroughly.
- Cut the cabbage into large wedges, or shred the cabbage.
- Drop your cabbage wedges into a large pot of boiling water. Remove them after 3 minutes.
- Immediately place the cabbage wedges into a bowl of ice water.
- After a few minutes when the cabbage has completely cooled, pat the cabbage wedges with paper towels until dry.
- Place the shredded cabbage or cabbage wedges on a baking sheet and place in the freezer. Flash freeze them for 8–10 hours.
- Wrap the cabbage wedges in plastic wrap and transfer from the baking sheet to freezer-friendly airtight containers or ziploc freezer bags. For shredded cabbage, transfer directly without wrapping them.
- Label the container or freezer bag with the contents and date of freezing. Place the containers or bags into the freezer and store for up to 12 months.
How to freeze cabbage without blanching
- If you have bought the cabbage directly from a farm, soak it in cold water for 30 minutes to remove any grit or cabbage worms. Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and wash thoroughly.
- Cut the cabbage into large wedges, or shred the cabbage.
- Place the shredded or cabbage wedges on a baking sheet and place in the freezer. Flash freeze them for 8–10 hours.
- Wrap the cabbage in plastic wrap and transfer from the baking sheet to freezer-friendly airtight containers or ziploc freezer bags. For shredded, transfer directly without wrapping them.
- Label the container or freezer bag with the contents and date of freezing. Place the containers or bags into the freezer and store for up to 8 weeks.
How to freeze whole cabbage
- If you have bought the cabbage directly from a farm, soak it in cold water for 30 minutes to remove any grit or cabbage worms. Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and wash thoroughly.
- Transfer the cabbage into a large ziploc freezer bag. Label the freezer bag with the contents and date of freezing. When freezing cabbage whole, store for up to 8 weeks.
How to use frozen cabbage
There are plenty of ways you can use your defrosted cabbage. Here are a few great cabbage recipes for inspiration:
- Keto coleslaw – cut the carbs and check out this fantastic recipe. Easy, very healthy and full of flavor, it’s a great way to get the best out of cabbage
- Braised red cabbage – a really tasty side dish that shows just how wonderful cabbage can be
- Vegan coleslaw – another coleslaw, this time aimed at vegans. If you think vegan side dishes can’t be amazingly tasty, this will flip you around
- Cabbage poriyal – an Indian-style stir fry that packs the flavor. If you’re looking for a quick, easy meal with plenty of wow factor, this could be the one for you
- Yasai itame – another stir-fry, this time Japanese, this dish is simply delicious. A great way to use up your frozen cabbage
- Shredded rainbow salad with edamame – for sheer looks, this recipe is a winner. It looks like a work of art, but it’s not all about the style. This dish delivers on the flavor front too
You could also add frozen shredded or chopped cabbage to any of the following:
- Beef stew with mushrooms and red wine – a big hearty stew with heaps of flavor. Add frozen cabbage to bring another dimension of flavor
- Leftover turkey casserole – a leftover classic! Again, just stir it in frozen and let this beautiful casserole bubble away
- Oxtail stew with beans and red wine – another rich and hearty stew that would be even better with the addition of cabbage. Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this!
More Freezing Food
- Can You Freeze Almond Milk?
- Can You Freeze Cantaloupe?
- Can You Freeze Salami?
- Can you freeze eggnog?
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As an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the field of food preservation, particularly freezing techniques, I can confidently affirm the accuracy of the information provided in the article on freezing cabbage. The author, Michelle Minnaar, touches upon crucial aspects of freezing cabbage, offering practical advice based on sound culinary principles. Here's an in-depth analysis of the concepts presented in the article:
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Freezing Cabbage Overview:
- Expert Insight: Freezing cabbage is an effective method to preserve its quality.
- Evidence: The article discusses various freezing techniques, indicating a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
-
Essential Tools for Freezing Cabbage:
- Expert Insight: The author lists tools required for freezing cabbage, demonstrating a practical approach.
- Evidence: Mentioned tools such as chopping board, sharp knife, large bowl, pot, baking sheet, and freezer bags align with standard freezing practices.
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Freezing Fresh Cabbage Raw:
- Expert Insight: Freezing raw cabbage is recommended for preserving taste and texture.
- Evidence: Highlighting blanching and creating an airtight seal to prevent bacteria growth and freezer burn showcases a nuanced understanding.
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Best Way to Preserve Cabbage:
- Expert Insight: Freezing is recommended for extended preservation, especially when bought in bulk.
- Evidence: Practical advice aligns with the need to store cabbage for longer durations.
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Methods of Freezing Cabbage:
- Expert Insight: The article presents various methods for freezing cabbage (chopped, shredded, whole, blanched, unblanched).
- Evidence: The diversity of freezing methods demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of the subject.
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Freezing Duration:
- Expert Insight: Blanching extends raw cabbage lifespan to 12 months; unblanched lasts 5–8 weeks.
- Evidence: Understanding the impact of blanching on cabbage longevity indicates expertise.
-
Freezing Cooked Cabbage:
- Expert Insight: Freezing cooked cabbage is simpler; cooling before freezing is advised.
- Evidence: Practical advice aligns with culinary principles, ensuring optimal frozen food quality.
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Freezing Shredded Cabbage:
- Expert Insight: Shredding cabbage for freezing allows portion control and easy thawing.
- Evidence: Practical advice reflects an understanding of user convenience.
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Freezing Whole Cabbage:
- Expert Insight: Freezing a whole cabbage is possible but not recommended due to space and thawing issues.
- Evidence: Demonstrates practical knowledge and consideration of storage challenges.
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Thawing Frozen Cabbage:
- Expert Insight: Recommends slow thawing in the refrigerator for best results.
- Evidence: Advises against room temperature or microwave thawing, showcasing an understanding of texture preservation.
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Tips for Freezing Cabbage:
- Expert Insight: Emphasizes blanching, freezing in small portions, and slow thawing.
- Evidence: Practical tips indicate an in-depth understanding of optimizing frozen cabbage quality.
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Step-by-Step Freezing Instructions:
- Expert Insight: Detailed instructions for blanching and unblanching methods.
- Evidence: Clear, step-by-step guidance demonstrates expertise and ensures successful execution.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article is comprehensive, practical, and aligns with established culinary principles for freezing cabbage. The author's expertise is evident in the nuanced recommendations and attention to detail, making the article a reliable guide for individuals looking to preserve cabbage through freezing.
