How to freeze cabbage (Blanching or without blanching)

Learn how to freeze cabbage the right way so you can enjoy your favorite veggie anytime. 

Apart from the freezing process, this comprehensive guide also tackles some vital tips and tricks on how to store cabbage as well as how to tell if the leafy vegetable has gone bad. 

Worrying about your excess cabbages going to go waste?

Planning to preserve them for long-term use but don’t know where to start? 

Read on! 

Cabbage is an affordable leafy vegetable that’s present in almost every cuisine, making it versatile and essential. 

It can be eaten raw or cooked and turned into a wide range of dishes, from stir fry, cabbage rolls, to coleslaw.

It comes in varieties–there are regular white or green types as well as red ones.

When it comes to flavor and texture, cabbages tend to vary depending on their variation. 

For the most common variety–green cabbage– this type has dark to pale green outer leaves with a rubbery texture when raw. 

Other species like savoy cabbage have a sweet taste with deep green crinkly leaves. 

Due to its versatility and affordability, cabbage is considered a great veggie to have on hand. 

So if you have an abundance of it, ensure you won’t let it go to waste. But how do you preserve them? 

The answer is simple–freeze them!

Can you freeze cabbage?

Yes, freezing cabbage, especially raw cabbage, is possible.

If you happen to successfully freeze the veggie, you’ll be able to preserve and enjoy its edible parts within two to 12 months.

Can you freeze cooked cabbage?

You can freeze the cooked cabbage as long as it isn’t left out for more than two hours at room temperature or temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Letting the veggie in this temperature condition can cause bacteria growth which eventually results in spoilage.

So I advise storing the veggie immediately at zero degrees Fahrenheit in the freezer.

How to freeze cabbage with blanching method

As mentioned, you can for sure freeze cabbage.

But before moving on to the freezing process, be sure to inspect your vegetables. Make sure that your cabbage is still fresh and in good condition. 

So how do you freeze cabbage? Scroll down to take a look at how to freeze fresh cabbage in 10 essential steps

Things you will need:

• Fresh cabbages
• Freezer bags or airtight containers
• Grater
• Kitchen knife
• Boiling water
• Ice-cold water
• Large pot
• Large bowl

The steps to freeze cabbage:

1. Gently and thoroughly wash the fresh cabbages under running tap water then dry them. If you spot wilting or browning of your cabbages’ outer leaves, remove them. 
2. Cut your cabbages into thin wedges or use a grater to shred them.
3. Blanch the cabbages. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. 
4. Once done, add the slices to the boiling water. Let the slices cook for two minutes.
5. While waiting, prepare a large bowl and fill it with ice-cold water. 
6. Once the 2-minute mark is done, plunge the slices immediately into the ice-cold water. This process prevents the cooking process, keeping your cabbages from turning into mush. 
7. Once cooled, drain the water from the bowl and proceed to the storage process.
8. Pack the drained cabbages into freezer bags or airtight containers. Don’t overcrowd and ensure there’s half an inch of space left in the bags. 
9. Remove the air from the bags. Put a straw in a corner of the bag and seal the bag around it. 
10. Submerge the bag into tap water and press out the air through the straw. Then take the straw out and seal the bag completely. 
11. Label each freezer bag or airtight container with its content and date. 
12. Freeze the bags or containers in your freezer.

Pro tip: Blanching the cabbage before freezing increases its shelf life. You’ll be able to keep your veggie at its best quality for up to twelve months when stored in a freezer.

How to freeze cabbage without blanching

Blanching cabbage helps retain the flavor and texture of the vegetable.

However, there are moments when we’re short on time.

Fortunately, you can skip the blanching process and proceed to freeze the veggie right away. 

Here’s how to freeze cabbage without blanching them:

Things you will need:

• Fresh cabbages
• Freezer bags or airtight containers
• Freezer
• Grater
• Kitchen knife

The steps to freeze cabbage:

1. Under running tap water, gently and thoroughly wash the fresh cabbages then dry them.
2. Cut your cabbages into thin wedges or use a grater to shred them.
3. Divide the sliced or shredded cabbages into separate freezer bags or airtight containers.
4. If you happen to use freezer bags instead of airtight containers, make sure to remove the air from the bags. To do this, put a straw in a corner of the bag and seal the bag around it. Submerge the bag into tap water and press out the air through the straw. Then take the straw out and seal the bag completely.
5. Label each freezer bag or airtight container with its content and date. 
6. Freeze the bags or containers in your freezer.

Pro tip: Cabbage that has been frozen without blanching should be used within two months. Once thawed, consume the veggie within four days.

How to store cabbage

When you buy cabbage in the grocery store, it can stay fresh for up to two days on your kitchen counter.

In case you want to keep it for a little bit longer but not in the mood for freezing the veggie, storing it in the fridge is the best thing to do.

How to store whole cabbage in the refrigerator

You can keep a whole cabbage fresh for up to four weeks in the fridge when properly stored.

However, keep in mind that the crispiness of the leaves will deteriorate over time so it’s best to use the cabbage within the five-week mark.

Here are the steps on how to store whole cabbage in the fridge:

Things you will need: 

• Whole cabbage
• Plastic wrap or plastic bag
• Fridge’s crisper drawer

Here’s how to store in the refrigerator: 

1. Wrap the cabbage in plastic wrap or place it into a plastic bag. Don’t wash the cabbage or remove its outer leaves. 
2. Once done, put the cabbage in your fridge’s crisper drawer with a high humidity temperature.

How to store cabbage at room temperature

As mentioned, fresh cabbage stored at room temperature or on a kitchen counter lasts for up to two days.

If you’re planning to use it right away, I recommend not to store them in the fridge and keep it on the counter instead. 

Here’s how to store cabbage at room temperature:

Things you will need:

• Whole cabbage
• Hanging kitchen basket
• Fresh cabbage

Here’s how to store at room temperature: 

1. Pick a fresh cabbage. Don’t wash the veggie and never put it in a plastic bag to avoid condensation.
2. Place the cabbage in the hanging kitchen basket. If you have an old and clean newspaper, wrap the cabbage with it.

How to store cut cabbage in the refrigerator

Though it isn’t advisable to cut the cabbage as this can reduce the shelf life of the vegetable, it’s best to store and prepare the veggie this way especially if you have limited space in your fridge or if you’re planning to make a quick cabbage dish during the day.

Things you will need:

• Fresh cabbage
• Kitchen knife or grater
• Plastic wrap or plastic bag
• Refrigerator

Here’s how to store cut cabbage in the fridge: 

1. Under running tap water, gently and thoroughly wash the fresh cabbage and dry it afterward.
2. Cut your cabbage into thin wedges or use a grater to shred them.
3. Place the sliced or shredded cabbage in a plastic wrap or a plastic bag. 
4. Put the bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

Pro tip: If done properly, your cut cabbage will last for up to three days.

Discard if you spot discoloration of the leaves. Follow the same steps above if you’re planning to store your shredded cabbage in the refrigerator.

How to thaw cabbage

If you’re ready to use your frozen cabbage for your cabbage rolls or coleslaw, allow the leaves to thaw in the fridge.

But in case you’re using it in soups, thawing the veggie is no longer needed. 

Here’s how to thaw frozen cabbage:

Things you will need:

• Fresh cabbage
• Kitchen knife or grater
• Plastic wrap or plastic bag
• Refrigerator

Here’s how to thaw cabbage:

1. Remove the freezer bag filled with cabbage from the freezer. 
2. Place the frozen cabbage into a colander
3. Prepare a large bowl and fill it with warm water. 
4. Place the colander on top of it and allow the frozen cabbage to thaw out in the water. 

Pro tip: When the water cools down, just change the water out to allow the frozen cabbage to continue thawing.

Can you cook with frozen cabbage?

Yes, you can cook your frozen cabbage right away especially when you’re using it into soups–yes, there’s no need to thaw it!

Just add it directly to the pot and you’re good to go!

However, if you want to add the cabbage into salads or stir-fry, it can be helpful to thaw the veggie out first.

How to tell if cabbage has gone bad

It’s essential to be aware of if your cabbages are still fresh before you freeze them.

This is to ensure that you can extend its shelf life as well as your safe consumption of the veggie. 

Fortunately, there are vital signs to help you with how to know when your cabbage is already bad. 

The first sign you need to look for is the shriveled leaves.

You also need to pay attention to its color.

Typically, fresh cabbage tends to have a deep or bright green hue with a crispy texture.

However, the crispiness of the cabbage deteriorates over time, and its color changes to yellow, grey, or brown. 

Another indication that your cabbage is already bad is by smelling it.

Generally, fresh cabbage doesn’t smell anything and rotten one develops an off odor with a soft texture.

The bottom line

Cabbage can add crunch, flavor, and texture to your meals. It’s versatile and most importantly–affordable!

Now you’re equipped with the necessary information about how to freeze cabbage like a pro, you can now stock up your favorite veggie and enjoy it anytime. 

Just keep in mind to pick the freshest vegetable and pay attention to its texture and appearance.

If you spot a yellow, grey, or brown cabbage with an off smell and texture, I recommend throwing it right away!