How to properly store cabbage in the freezer, refrigerator and without cooling devices

Cabbage is a healthy seasonal vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals. For example, in terms of vitamin C content, it is in no way inferior to citrus fruits. To prevent vegetables from losing their beneficial properties and taste, it is important to store them correctly.

About how to do it right store fresh cabbage in the refrigerator, and techniques to extend its shelf life from 6 to 12 months, read our article.

How long does cabbage last in the refrigerator?

It often happens that a whole head of cabbage is too much to prepare a dish. Most housewives try to save the unused remainder of the product to cook later. The refrigerator is great for this purpose, especially if the head of cabbage is cut or shredded.

If stored properly, the product will remain fresh for 2 months, and if used freezer, shelf life increases to 6-12 months.

How to store cabbage in the refrigerator

In order for the vegetable to remain fresh longer, it is important to choose it correctly, reliably protect it from moisture and prepare it before storage. If cabbage is stored at high humidity, it will quickly turn black, the leaves will become withered, and the process of rotting will begin.

When purchasing, pay attention to:

1. Later varieties. They retain freshness longer, are easier to process and do not lose their taste during storage.
2. Dense and tight heads of cabbage with leaves adjacent to each other.
3. Fresh vegetables without defects.

Prepare cabbage for storage:

1. Cut off the stalk, remove the top and damaged leaves of the vegetable.
2. Wrap the heads of cabbage tightly in cling film in 2-3 layers. The packaging must be airtight and do not allow air spaces between layers. This will prevent moisture from penetrating inside, which will prevent rotting.
3. Place the packaged cabbage in the refrigerator. Choose a shelf with a temperature no higher than 2°C.

At low temperatures, store red and white cabbage in whole, cut or shredded form.

Reference. When cut, cabbage retains its properties well, but the cut areas quickly dry out and turn yellow. Refresh the cut before cooking, removing dry areas.

If you plan to use the cabbage within 2-3 days, it is not necessary to store it in a bag. To prepare the product later, wrap the pre-prepared vegetable in a bag or cling film to maintain freshness.

To prevent cabbage from rotting and turning black, it is stored in the vegetable tray provided in most modern refrigerators. If the model does not have a tray, place the forks where you usually store vegetables and set the temperature to the lowest setting.

Also remember to remove wilted leaves from time to time. By performing this simple action, you will extend the shelf life of the vegetable by several days.

How to store cabbage in the freezer

To store in the freezer:

1. Wash the head of cabbage and dry it well.
2. Remove the top leaves and cut off damaged areas.
3. Shred it.
4. Pour boiling water over the preparation - this will help preserve the color and taste of the vegetable.
5. Place the cabbage in airtight bags or containers and place in the freezer.

In this form, the vegetable can be stored for up to a year. This workpiece Suitable for making soups, cabbage rolls and side dishes.

Storage without refrigeration

At room temperature, whole cabbage will last for 3-4 months. This method has disadvantages: the vegetable quickly loses its appearance and density. The upper leaves dry out or rot if the area is too hot or humid.

Another storage option is in the cellar. Early cabbage varieties retain freshness for 3 months, and later ones - for six months.

There are two main storage methods:

1. In cling film. Cabbage is protected from harmful microorganisms and moisture. This method is considered optimal from a hygiene point of view.
2. In a wooden box. First remove the top leaves and cut off the stalks. Every month, check vegetables for rotting and promptly remove spoiled ones.

If you live in a city and there is no cellar, use:

1. Glazed and insulated balcony. If the temperature drops to 0°C or lower, it is better to abandon this method, as the cabbage will freeze, become soft and begin to rot.
2. Pantry. The harvest will remain there for 2 months. Pre-wrap the heads of cabbage with film or paper. Every 10-12 days, inspect vegetables and remove spoiled ones.

The methods listed are only suitable for storing whole heads of cabbage.

Conclusion

By following our recommendations, you can easily preserve cabbage for a long time. Choose only fresh, undamaged vegetables. Protect the heads of cabbage from moisture and control the wilting process by promptly separating fresh vegetables from spoiled ones to prevent infection.

If you store a cut head of cabbage in the refrigerator, monitor the temperature. Optimal values ​​are from -1°C to +2°C.