Can you freeze cabbage? How to do it so it is not soggy

Yes, you can freeze cabbage. Blanch it first, and it keeps its best quality for about 8 to 12 months. Frozen cabbage goes soft when it thaws, so use it in cooked dishes such as soups, stews, stir-fries and casseroles, not in coleslaw or salads.

How do you freeze cabbage?

• Remove the tough outer leaves and the core. Cut into shreds or thin wedges.
• Blanch in boiling water: about 1½ minutes for shredded cabbage, about 3 minutes for wedges.
• Cool straight away in iced water for the same amount of time, then drain well and pat dry.
• Pack into freezer bags, press out the air, seal and label with the date.

Blanching times are from university extension freezing guides; see the source below.

Can you freeze cabbage without blanching?

You can, and it is safe, but it loses colour and flavour faster and becomes limp. Unblanched cabbage is best used within a month or two. If you only want it for soup, it is an acceptable shortcut.

Can you freeze cooked cabbage?

Yes. Cooked cabbage dishes such as soups, cabbage rolls and stir-fries freeze for 2 to 3 months for best quality, like other cooked meals. Cool them first and freeze in portions.

Can you freeze coleslaw?

Not well. Mayonnaise-based coleslaw separates and turns watery when thawed. Vinegar-based slaw freezes better but still loses its crunch. Make it fresh instead.

How do you use frozen cabbage?

Add it to the pan or pot straight from frozen. It works in soups, curries, noodle stir-fries and braises. For crunch, use fresh cabbage: cold peanut noodle salad uses it raw, and it keeps for days shredded in the fridge.

How long does fresh cabbage last in the fridge?

A whole head keeps for weeks in the fridge's vegetable drawer, longer than most vegetables. Cut cabbage keeps about 3 to 5 days wrapped tightly. That is why cabbage is a good budget vegetable; see a budget meal prep pantry and how to keep salads fresh.

Which other vegetables can you freeze?

See mushrooms, celery and carrots. For any frozen food, how to prevent freezer burn keeps it at its best.

Sources

• New Mexico State University: freezing vegetables, with blanching times
• USDA: freezing and food safety
• FoodSafety.gov: cold food storage chart