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    Home » How to...

    Published: Sep 18, 2021 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Can You Freeze Cabbage?

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    When you buy a head of cabbage that is much larger than you need for a recipe, you may want to know - can you freeze the extra cabbage. Simply put, yes, cabbage can be frozen. Fortunately, freezing cabbage is really easy and it freezes well.  Once thawed you can use it in many recipes like coleslaw, soups, casseroles, or as a side dish.

    Cabbage can be frozen and stores well if you do it properly.  Freezing purple, green, savoy, napa, or Chinese cabbage is a simple process. It is a great way to not let any go to waste and the process is the same for any variety.  You can freeze cabbage both in a raw or a blanched state.  Depending on how much time you have and what you will want to use the cabbage for later on, it will help you decide on which method you will want to try. Try either of these ways to freeze cabbage the next time you have leftovers.

     

    Can You Freeze Cabbage PN1 cutting board with 3 wedges cut along with a chef knife

     

     

    How to Freeze Cabbage

    My recommendation is to cut the cabbage into wedges. This will make for smaller sections that are easier to freeze and fit into a gallon-sized freezer Ziploc bag.   If you have a full head of cabbage that can be frozen whole as well.  Freezing individual cabbage leaves to use later for say wraps or cabbage rolls is also doable but it does take a lot longer to prep and freeze.  

    Whether you will be freezing raw or blanched cabbage, having it in wedges is best.  If you want to use the leftover cabbage for a salad or coleslaw later, you can simply flash freeze the raw wedges. If you wish to use it in any sort of recipe that requires cooking the cabbage, you will want to blanch it and then freeze it.  Both methods are shared below. 

     

    Can You Freeze Cabbage cutting board with half a cabbage and chef knife

     

    Cut the Cabbage in Wedges 

    Be sure to NOT remove the base or stem of the cabbage.  Cut the cabbage so that each wedge contains part of the stem.  Having part of the stem attached ensures each wedge stays together and does not fall apart.  Cut them so they are small enough to slide into the Ziploc freezer bag size you have (gallon size is my recommendation). 

    Blanching is actually the preferred method for freezing cabbage since it removes some of the water content during this process.  Less water means less chance for freezer burn.  Keep in mind, anything that has freezer burn should not be consumed and thrown out. Freezer burn not only affects taste but also the safety of the product so you do not want this to happen. If it does, please throw out the frozen cabbage.

     

    Can You Freeze Cabbage on cutting board in wedges

     

     

    Flash Freeze the Raw Cabbage Wedges

    Once cut, get the cabbage wedges on a baking sheet, platter, cutting board, or another large flat service.   Place that in the freezer so that the raw wedges will flash freeze. This should take about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the wedges. Once the cabbage wedges are frozen, place each wedge into a gallon-size freezer ziplock bag.  Squeeze all the air out and seal.  Store in the freezer until you are ready to use it later. 

     

    Blanch & Freeze Cabbage Wedges

    If you will be using the cabbage later in a recipe that involves cooking, the best method to freeze it is by blanching it first. Blanching is when you bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and quickly cook the cabbage in it.  Drop the cabbage wedges into the boiling water and let them cook for 2-3 minutes. Immediately remove them with a slotted spoon or tongs and drop them into a large bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process.  Drain them on paper towels as the final step.

    Once they are relatively dry, place the wedges into a gallon-size freezer ziplock bag.  Squeeze all the air out and seal.  Store in the freezer until you are ready to use it later. 

    **  You can do the blanching method with individual cabbage leaves as well.  I would only cook them for about a minute.  This is a good method for using the frozen cabbage leaves later for cabbage rolls or as a low-carb wrap. 

     

    How Long Will Cabbage Last in the Freezer

    Frozen blanched cabbage can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.  As long as it is stored properly in an airtight container, frozen cabbage will be safe to use for about 8 weeks. For raw cabbage that has been flash-frozen, it will not last as long in the freezer.  I would only store frozen raw cabbage in the freezer for about 2-3 weeks. 

     

    Can You Freeze Cabbage in the freezer on a cutting board to flash freeze

     

    How to Defrost Cabbage

    When it is time to use your frozen cabbage, you will want to thaw it properly.  To do so correctly, remove the frozen cabbage from the freezer and place the Ziploc bag in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. Depending on the size of the cabbage pieces, they should defrost during this timeframe. 

    Thawed or defrosted cabbage will last about 2 days in the refrigerator. It is best to use it right away once it is defrosted especially if using it for coleslaw or another uncooked recipe. For a cooked recipe like cabbage rolls or in soup or stir-fries, defrosted cabbage can be used up to 2 days after it has thawed. 

     

    Recipes & Uses for Frozen Cabbage

    Wondering what to do with your frozen cabbage? Frozen and thawed raw cabbage is great in cold recipes. I would use it for salads, coleslaws, or for snacking with dip.  For blanched cabbage that has been thawed, use it in soups, stews, stir-fries, casseroles, baked or sauteed recipes. 

    A great recipe to use your frozen raw cabbage in later, try this coleslaw

     

    Asian Avocado Peanut Coleslaw
    If you want an easy peanutty coleslaw recipe, this Asian avocado peanut coleslaw is the best. This chopped slaw recipe is bursting with fresh vegetables that are dressed in a homemade Asian-inspired dressing that is salty, sweet, and spicy. This slaw is vegan and gluten-free and sure to be one that everyone loves.
    Check out this recipe
    Asian Avocado Peanut Coleslaw featured closeup bowl and parsley but no serving utensils recipe card

     

    A great recipe to use your frozen blanched cabbage in later, try this soup - 

     

    Vegetarian Rice Soup
    An easy vegetable rice soup that is vegetarian and full of flavor. This recipe uses vegetable broth, fresh vegetables, tomatoes, rice, and seasonings for a hearty vegan soup that everyone will love.
    Check out this recipe
    Vegetarian Rice Soup featured postcard template

     

    PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!

     

    Can You Freeze Cabbage PIN half a cabbage on a cutting board with a chef knife

     

     

    Product Recommendations for this Recipe:

     

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

     

    Can You Freeze Cabbage featured

    Can You Freeze Cabbage?

    Angela
    With this simple how-to recipe, you can freeze cabbage easily. Both raw or blanched cabbage can be frozen. It freezes and thaws well to be used later in recipes.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Servings 4

    Equipment

    • Ziploc Bags

    Ingredients
      

    Cabbage

    • Head of Cabbage
    • Leftover Cabbage

    Instructions
     

    Raw Cabbage - Flash Freezing Method

    • Cut the cabbage in wedges.  Cut the cabbage so that each wedge contains part of the stem.  Having part of the stem attached ensures each wedge stays together and does not fall apart. 
    • Next, get the cabbage wedges on a baking sheet, platter, cutting board, or another large flat service.   Place that in the freezer so that the raw wedges will flash freeze. This should take about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the wedges.
    • Once the cabbage wedges are frozen, place each wedge into a gallon-size freezer ziplock bag.  Squeeze all the air out and seal.  Store in the freezer until you are ready to use it later. 

    Freezing Blanched Cabbage Wedges

    • Drop the cabbage wedges into boiling water and let them cook for 2-3 minutes. Immediately remove them with a slotted spoon or tongs and drop them into a large bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process.  After a minute, drain them on paper towels.
    • Once they are relatively dry, place the wedges into a gallon-size freezer ziplock bag.  Squeeze all the air out and seal. 

    To Thaw Frozen Cabbage

    • When it is time to use your frozen cabbage, remove the frozen cabbage from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. 
    • Thawed or defrosted cabbage will last about 2 days in the refrigerator.

     

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    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. I have been cooking since I could pull up a stool to finally reach the counter. I still rely on my trusty stool every day. I am a former personal chef turned blogger that hopes you find something new & tasty to love while you are here.

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