Wondering how long you can store cabbage? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. This blog post will give you all the information on how long cabbage lasts in the refrigerator, pantry, and more! Plus, we’ll provide some tips on how to store it so that it stays fresh for as long as possible.
Table Of Contents
−- How Long Does Uncooked Cabbage Last?
- How Long Does Cooked Cabbage Last?
- How to Store Uncooked Cabbage
- How to Store Cooked Cabbage
- Signs That Your Cabbage Has Gone Bad
- Can You Freeze Cabbage?
- Pros and Cons of Freezing Cabbage
- Tips for Freezing and Thawing Cabbage
- Ways to Use Up Leftover Cooked or Raw cabbage
- Conclusion
How Long Does Uncooked Cabbage Last?
Uncooked cabbage can last up to two weeks when stored in the refrigerator. When properly stored in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container, cabbage can last even longer, up to two months. The shelf life of cabbage depends on the variety and how it is stored.
Red, green, and white cabbage lasts about 2 weeks in the fridge, while savoy cabbage lasts only 4 to 5 days. Freshly shredded cabbage generally lasts for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. To maximize the shelf life of cabbage, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
How Long Does Cooked Cabbage Last?
Cooked cabbage will usually last for around 4 days in the refrigerator. Storing it in an airtight container can help extend its shelf life. However, cooked cabbage can start to spoil after a few days. To ensure that your cabbage is still safe to eat, it’s important to check for any signs of spoilage, such as discoloration or an off-smell. If your cooked cabbage has gone bad, it’s best to throw it out.
If you’re looking to store cooked cabbage for longer, freezing is an option. To freeze cooked cabbage, ensure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. When stored properly, frozen cooked cabbage can last up to 8 months in the freezer.
How to Store Uncooked Cabbage
When storing uncooked cabbage, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator. A head of cabbage (green or purple) can last for up to 2 weeks in the crisper drawer of your fridge. However, it will only last 2-3 days if cut into pieces or shredded. To store, tightly wrap the head of the cabbage in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
You can also store cabbage in a root cellar or other cool location. In optimum root cellar conditions, it can last for several months. However, any cell damage makes the cabbage go bad more quickly and degrades the vitamin C content.
How to Store Cooked Cabbage
Cooked cabbage should be stored in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. It should be eaten within 3-4 days. Leftover cooked cabbage can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and seal it tightly. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Signs That Your Cabbage Has Gone Bad
It is important to know the signs that your cabbage has gone bad, so you can discard it before it causes food poisoning.
The first sign of cabbage going bad is an unpleasant odor. If the cabbage smells like ammonia or sulfur, it should be discarded immediately. Another indication of sour cabbage is visible mold growth. If the cabbage has a slimy or mushy texture, dark patches, or wilting leaves, it is likely spoiled and should be thrown out. Ultimately, if the cabbage has been stored for longer than two months, it should be discarded as it is no longer safe to consume.
Can You Freeze Cabbage?
Yes, you can freeze cabbage for extended storage. Wash, dry, and shred the leaves to freeze raw or cooked cabbage. Then spread the shredded cabbage on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer until frozen. Once frozen, transfer the cabbage to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 8 months. When ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or submerge the container in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Make sure to use the cabbage within 24 hours of thawing.
Pros and Cons of Freezing Cabbage
Freezing cabbage can be a great way to extend its shelf life and ensure you have it on hand when needed. But, like all food storage methods, there are pros and cons to freezing cabbage.
The biggest pro is that freezing can keep cabbage fresh and safe to eat for much longer than other storage methods. When stored properly, frozen cabbage can last up to nine months in the freezer. This means you can buy cabbage in bulk when it is in season and store it for use later in the year.
Another pro is that freezing cabbage can help retain its nutritional value. The freezing process helps slow the oxidation process, which helps retain the vitamin C content of the cabbage.
However, freezing does have some drawbacks. For example, frozen cabbage can lose some texture and flavor over time. This may not be an issue if you plan to use frozen cabbage in a cooked dish, such as soup or stew. But if you plan to use it in a salad or coleslaw, you may want to use it sooner rather than later.
Lastly, frozen cabbage can take up a lot of space in your freezer if you plan to store a large quantity of it at once. So, it’s important to ensure you have plenty of room before storing large quantities of cabbage in your freezer.
Overall, freezing cabbage can be a great way to extend its shelf life and enjoy it for months to come. Just be sure to follow the tips above to ensure your cabbage stays fresh and delicious in the freezer.
Tips for Freezing and Thawing Cabbage
Freezing is a great way to extend the life of cabbage, allowing it to last up to 4 months. To freeze, shred or chop the cabbage, blanch it for a few minutes, then cool it in an ice bath. Once cooled, spread the cabbage on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer the frozen cabbage to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it for up to 4 months. When ready to use, thaw the cabbage in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, place it in a colander and run cold water over it until it thawed. Drain off any excess liquid before using.
Ways to Use Up Leftover Cooked or Raw cabbage
When you have leftover cooked or raw cabbage, there are plenty of ways to use them. You can add it to salads, soups, stir-fries, omelets, pasta dishes, and casseroles for cooked cabbage.
You can also use it as a pizza topping or a side dish. You can make coleslaw or slaw dressings, sauerkraut, kimchi (with Chinese Cabbage), fermented vegetables, smoothies, salads, and wraps for raw cabbage. You can also use it to make soups and stews or to stuff tacos and quesadillas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cabbage can last anywhere from 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator to as long as 2 months in optimal storage conditions. The key to a long shelf life is proper storage and keeping cabbage away from heat and light sources.
If you plan on freezing cabbage, it can last up to 8 weeks in the freezer. It is important to note that freezing cabbage will change its texture and flavor, so it may not be suitable for recipes that require crunchy cabbage. Lastly, if you find yourself with leftover cooked or raw cabbage, plenty of recipes can help you use it.
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