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.

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

How much cabbage is stored in the refrigerator

It often happens that there is a lot of whole head of cabbage for cooking a dish. Most housewives try to save the unused leftover product to cook later. A refrigerator is excellent for this purpose, especially if the head of cabbage is cut or chopped.

When stored properly, the freshness of the product is maintained for 2 months, and if used freezer, the shelf life is increased to 6-12 months.

How to store cabbage in the refrigerator

To keep the vegetable fresh for longer, it is important to choose the right one, reliably protect it from moisture and prepare it before storing. If the cabbage is stored in high humidity, it will quickly turn black, the leaves will become withered, and the decay process will begin.

When buying, pay attention to:

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

Prepare the cabbage for storage:

1. Cut the stalk, remove the top and damaged leaves of the vegetable.
2. Wrap the cabbage tightly in cling film in 2-3 layers. The packaging must be airtight, do not allow air spaces between layers. This will keep moisture from getting inside, which will prevent rotting.
3. Place the wrapped cabbage in the refrigerator. Choose a shelf with a temperature not exceeding 2 ° C.

In low temperatures, red and white cabbage is stored in whole, cut or chopped form.

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

If you plan to use the cabbage within 2-3 days, you do not need to store it in a bag. To cook later, wrap the prepared vegetable in a bag or plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

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

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

For storage in the freezer:

1. Wash the head of cabbage and dry well.
2. Remove the top leaves and cut off any spoiled areas.
3. Chop.
4. Pour boiling water over the workpiece - this will help preserve the color and taste of the vegetable.
5. Divide the cabbage into airtight bags or containers and place in the freezer.

In this form, the vegetable is stored for up to a year. This blank suitable for soups, cabbage rolls and side dishes.

Storage without refrigerator

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 place is too hot or humid.

Another storage option is in the cellar. Early cabbage varieties retain freshness within 3 months, and later - within 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 the stumps. Check vegetables every month for rot and remove spoiled vegetables in time.

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

1. Glazed and insulated balcony... If the temperature drops to 0 ° C and below, it is better to refuse this method, since the cabbage will freeze, become soft and start to rot.
2. Pantry. The crop will lie there for 2 months. Pre-wrap the heads of cabbage with foil or paper. Check vegetables every 10-12 days and remove spoiled ones.

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

Conclusion

By following our recommendations, you can easily save your cabbage for a long time. Choose only fresh vegetables without damage. Protect the cabbage heads from moisture and control the wilting process by separating fresh vegetables from spoiled ones in a timely manner to prevent contamination.

If you store a cut head of cabbage in the refrigerator, keep an eye on the temperature. Optimum performance is -1 ° C to + 2 ° C.