Yes, you can freeze cabbage.
How to Freeze Cabbage Effectively
Freezing cabbage is a great way to preserve it for later use. Here's how to do it effectively:
- Preparation: Ensure your cabbage is clean and free from any dirt or blemishes.
- Cutting: Cut the cabbage into the desired sizes, whether that's shredded, chopped, or in wedges, depending on how you plan to use it later.
- Blanching (Optional but Recommended): Blanching helps to preserve the color and texture of the cabbage. To do this:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the cabbage and boil for about 2 minutes.
- Immediately transfer the blanched cabbage to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Drain thoroughly.
- Freezing:
- Lay the cabbage in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Pre-freeze for about 1-2 hours until mostly frozen. This helps prevent clumping.
- Transfer the frozen cabbage pieces into freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Do not over-pack. Keep the cabbage pieces in a single layer within the bag or container to ensure efficient freezing.
- Storage: Store the frozen cabbage in your freezer.
Using Frozen Cabbage
Frozen cabbage is incredibly versatile. According to the provided reference, it can be used for:
- Stand-alone side dishes, such as skillet cabbage and onions or stewed cabbage.
- Additions to homemade soups.
- Ingredients in cozy crock pot stews.
Shelf Life
For best quality, use frozen cabbage within nine to 14 months.
