Can You Freeze Cabbage?

Cabbage is a really versatile vegetable. It can be used in so many ways. In the summer, we like to use it in a fresh and crunchy coleslaw. In winter, it gives a real depth when added to things like soups and stews. And it’s really good for you too! The only downside with cabbage is a seasonal vegetable. So, if you want a steady supply, you need to store it. But can you freeze cabbage? Well, the answer is, yes, you can. In this article, we will show you what you need to do to freeze cabbage.

Can You Freeze Cabbage?

Thankfully the answer is yes. But there are a few steps that you need to take to keep it in great condition. There’s a good reason for this.

Whenever you freeze anything that contains liquid, the liquid inside expands ever so slightly. If you’ve ever frozen a full container of anything only to find that the lid has popped off, you’ll already know this.

For things such as vegetables, this can lead to wilted and floppy vegetables. Ice damages the cell structure inside vegetables (and meat, too) over a prolonged period. This is called ‘freezer burn’.

Further to this, you’ll need to know about enzyme actions… Sounds complicated? Don’t worry, we’ll make it easy. Essentially all you need to know is that when you freeze certain vegetables, they lose a lot of color, texture, and flavor. See? We told you it was simple. But there is a way to stop this from happening… To freeze cabbage, we must blanch it first. (This is a fancy way of saying we give the cabbage a little bath in scalding water)

How to Use Frozen Cabbage

Using frozen cabbage is really easy. You actually have a couple of options.

For dishes that use raw cabbage, such as coleslaw, salads, or spring rolls, you will need to thaw the cabbage first. This is really easy and is pretty much hands-off. Just take your bag of cabbage out of the freezer and leave it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw out. If you are a little stuck for time, leave the bag closed and submerge it in a large bowl or pan of cold water. You can easily cut the thawing time in half.

For dishes that require cooked cabbage, this couldn’t be easier. Simply add the cabbage to whatever dish you are making. You don’t even need to defrost it. However, it is worth mentioning that a big chunk of frozen cabbage will lower the temperature of the pan, so adjust your cooking times accordingly.

Can I Freeze Cooked Cabbage?

Freezing cooked cabbage is really easy. Just allow whatever dish you have prepared time to cool down, then freeze in a container or freezer bag.

Can Cabbage be Frozen Without Blanching?

Absolutely. But you’ll find that the texture, color, and flavor is a pale imitation of what it used to be. It can save you time and a little bit of effort. However, there is something that you should consider.

Blanched cabbage will last anywhere up to around 9 months in the freezer. If you decide not to blanch your cabbage, then it’s life is significantly reduced. By how much? Well, you’ll probably get around 8 weeks of freezing time before it is no longer good.

For the sake of 10 minutes of effort, we think that blanching cabbage before freezing is definitely the way to go.

Can you Freeze Raw Red Cabbage?

Of course, you can. Aside from a difference in color and flavor, raw red cabbage is exactly the same for freezing. Just prepare the red cabbage in exactly the same way as we described above.

Conclusion

Can you freeze cabbage? The answer is a solid yes. You have many options on how to freeze it. Blanching is the best technique to use when freezing cabbage as it prolongs its life and prevents these delicious green leaves from degrading too quickly. By cutting your cabbage into portions, you’ll be able to make it last much longer by using only what you need with each recipe. We hope you have enjoyed our article. What’s your favorite cabbage recipe? Let us know in the comments below.