Cabbage is quite versatile and inexpensive. But because so many people need to be aware of how to utilize them in the kitchen, it doesn’t get the attention it deserves. You can’t just call cabbage a vegetable. This vegetable is loaded with health advantages for people. You name it; cabbage has high fiber content, disease-fighting chemicals, etc.
However, cabbage only produces flowers in the fall. It may be a kitchen hero, but it only stays for a short time. Only one harvest of cabbage is permitted each year. Therefore, you must understand how to preserve cabbage if you need it to be fresh.
Can cabbage be frozen? Of course, you can. In the freezer, cabbage may stay fresh for more than a year. As a result, you may keep enough cabbage until the following season. If done correctly, freezing cabbage may not affect its texture, flavor, or taste.
While the main component of coleslaw may be cabbage, it may also be utilized in other foods, including soups, and even as a bread alternative. You can accomplish a lot with it because of how adaptable it is. However, we frequently only consume part of the head of cabbage we purchase at a supermarket or convenience shop. So how exactly do you freeze these things?
Tips for Freezing Cabbage
Vegetables, greens, and fruits should always be washed before freezing. This procedure aids in maintaining texture and color. It prevents the rotting or discoloration of your veggies and greens in the freezer. Additionally, it maintains a bright, vibrant green hue that indicates that the food item is still fresh.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Cabbage
The type of cabbage you choose while freezing it will greatly affect how effectively it freezes in the freezer.
Please ensure the cabbage is green and has no fading leaves when you choose it from the grocery store, farmer’s market, or garden. Additionally, look for any damages or the appearance of mold. Do not pluck the cabbage if you see any. That is exactly how to choose the appropriate cabbage.
Step 2: Cleaning the Cabbage
You must rinse your cabbage under running water if it comes from a convenience store. To get rid of any potential dust, dirt, and pests, you would need to properly clean them whether you had gathered them from your garden or purchased them from a farmers market.
You might soak the cabbage in a saltwater solution for at least 30 minutes to eliminate all the bugs. To clean it, wash it under running water. Remove the outer coverings of the cabbage after cleaning it. These can either be recycled or discarded.
Step 3: Blanching the Cabbage
After cleaning your cabbages, use a sharp knife to cut them into wedges or other suitable shapes. However, wedges would be ideal since you would then be able to chop the cabbage into whatever shape after freezing.
Place a stock pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Prepare your ice bath while you wait for the water to boil.
The sliced cabbage wedges should be added to the boiling water after it has reached a rolling boil. After three minutes, remove the wedges with tongs and place them in the ice bath. The ice bath would assist in halting the cooking process, which would afterward halt the ripening of the cabbage and the enzymatic processes that may cause it to rot.
Leave the sliced cabbage wedges in the ice bath until they are cooled. The cabbages should then be drained in a strainer and air dry.
Step 4: Storing and Freezing
Here is the next essential section. Your blanched cabbages might be kept in plastic freezer bags or sealed Canning jars. The cabbage may be divided into parts using smaller containers.
Before you pack the cabbage for storage, please wait until it is completely dry. This would lessen the possibility of freezer burn occurring to the cabbage in the freezer.
If you plan to use Ziploc freezer bags, don’t jam the cabbage inside; use many bags if necessary. Before you close the bags, fill them with cabbages and press them flat to release any surplus air.
Label the bags with the contents and the freezing date before putting them in the freezer to freeze the cabbage. If you ever lose sight of the cabbage in the freezer, it will be easier to maintain track of it.
Defrosting Frozen Cabbage
The fact that frozen cabbage doesn’t require thawing is its finest feature. You might toss them in, particularly if you want to utilize frozen cabbage in meals like soups. However, you can defrost frozen cabbage in the fridge if used in a dish like coleslaw or something similar. Frozen cabbage is rather simple to thaw.
Can Cooked Cabbage Be Frozen?
Yes, it does. When frozen, cooked cabbage may be stored airtight. After cooking, allow the food to cool to room temperature before placing it in a Ziploc freezer bag. Press the food flat to remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag. If you plan to use a container, check that the lid closes securely before covering it with plastic or aluminum foil.
How to Identify Ruined Cabbage?
The discoloration signifies damaged cabbage, making it very simple to identify. The rotting cabbage color shifts from green to yellow, brown, or grey. The texture is soft, and the sour smell is prevalent in more advanced rotten cabbages.
Avoid consuming rotten cabbage since it is hazardous and detrimental to one’s health and general welfare.
