Cabbage is a healthy vegetable, and it’s great to use in many dishes. You can save it in the fridge and freezer, so it lasts longer. But how long does cabbage last in the fridge and freezer? How to know if it went bad? That’s what we’re going to show you in this post.
As we know, vegetables and fruits are essential for our health. They have vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are important to our immunity and digestion tract. However, most adults (and kids) don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables.
So, we must include more of these foods in our daily routine. Cabbage is excellent because it can be used in many ways (e.g., soups, stews, salads), and it tastes great. It’s rich in fiber and vitamin C and can protect against many diseases (also against some cancers).
To enjoy all the advantages of this vegetable, check out its shelf life, the best way to store it, and some tips to buy it.
How long does cabbage last in the fridge and freezer?
Compared to other vegetables and fruits, cabbages have a long shelf life. You can save it in the fridge and freezer to last longer. Check out this table and find out how long it lasts at room temperature, fridge, and freezer.
| Room Temperature | Fridge | Freezer | |
| Head of Cabbage | Must be saved in the fridge | Two weeks | 10-12 months |
| Cut Cabbage | Must be saved in the fridge | 2-3 days | 10-12 months |
| Shredded Cabbage | Must be stored in the fridge | For up to 3 days | 10-12 months |
| Cooked Cabbage | For up to 2 hours | 3-5 days | 10-12 months |
| Pre-packaged Cabbage | Must be saved in the fridge | See the expiration date | We don’t recommend you freeze it |
| Purple Cabbage | Must be stored in the fridge | Two weeks | 10-12 months |
| Cabbage Soup | For up to 2 hours | Five days | Three months |
A head of cabbage (green or purple) can last for up to 2 weeks in the crisper drawer of your fridge. However, it only lasts 2-3 days once cut or shredded. Wrap it in plastic so it lasts longer in the refrigerator.
If you want to keep your cabbage longer, you can freeze it (fresh or cooked) in freezer bags or airtight containers. You can use it within 10 -12 months.
We don’t recommend you keep cabbage at room temperature. Also, we don’t advise you to save pre-packaged cabbage in the freezer.
If you have cooked the cabbage, you can save it in the refrigerator and use it within 3-5 days. It only lasts for up to 2 hours at room temperature because bacteria grow very fast. If you are thinking about taking it for work or school and don’t have a fridge there, ensure you have a high-quality lunch box (with insulation).
Your cabbage soup also must be stored in the fridge, and it lasts about five days so that you can use it for almost a week.
How to buy Cabbage?
You have some options when buying cabbage. You can buy it pre-bagged and shredded, so you can save some time preparing it (although it is more expensive), or you can buy a head of cabbage (ensure you choose one heavy, firm, and fresh). Also, check if it has blemishes, bruising, or if the leaves are wilted or discolored.
Buying fresh and whole vegetables is always a better option. In addition to being cheaper, we are helping local producers. As you know, local producers need much more than large commercial areas. So, if you have that option, look for local producers who practice organic farming.
No doubt, in addition to helping, you’ll make sure you’re buying vegetables without chemicals harmful to your health.
How to store Cabbage long term?
If you want it to last longer, you must store your cabbage whole and unrinsed. This vegetable will lose some vitamin C (an antioxidant that prevents spoilage) when you cut it. You must wrap it in plastic and then place it in the crisper drawer.
If you have a partial head of cabbage, you must follow the same steps. First, you wrap it in plastic and then place it in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
Ensure you follow the shelf life information we have passed to you in the table. Although this vegetable lasts longer than other vegetables, you must use it within 2-3 days if you cut it.
How to store Cooked Cabbage?
You can store cooked cabbage in the fridge or freezer. It lasts for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator, and it must be covered. If you are going to freeze it, put it in an airtight container or a freezer bag.
How to Freeze and Thaw Frozen Cabbage?
If you are going to freeze cabbage, first you must wash it. Then cut (I prefer to cut it into wedges) and blanch it for 2 minutes. Then place wedges in an ice bath and dry them to save a fresh color and texture.
Before placing the wedges in a freezer bag, you can lay them on a baking sheet.
When you need to use it, you need to leave it in the fridge overnight.
How do you know when Cabbage goes bad?
Cabbage goes rotten or spoiled when the leaves become discolored and soft. Also, if it is off smell, it’s a sign it’s going bad. So, you must be careful if you notice discoloration (when leaves have gray or weird colors), an odd smell or if the leaves become soft and squishy.
If you notice one of these signs, please do not use it. It can be harmful to your health.
How long does cabbage last
Ingredients
- Head of Cabbage
- Cut Cabbage
- Shredded Cabbage
- Cooked Cabbage
- Pre-packaged Cabbage
- Purple Cabbage
- Cabbage Soup
Instructions
- Read the table at the beginning of the article
- Do not consume spoiled food
- If it smells bad, don't eat
Conclusion:
Cabbage is one of the vegetables that last longer. However, you must ensure you use it before it is spoiled. In addition to taking advantage of all the nutrients, you must follow the information we spent throughout the post. I hope you liked our post “How long does cabbage last in the fridge?” and we are waiting for you in our following articles.
FAQ’s
Shredded cabbage lasts for up to 3 days in the fridge. You must always store it in the fridge or save it in the freezer (shredded cabbage can last for up to 12 months in the freezer).
Purple cabbage, as green cabbage, lasts for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. However, it only lasts 2-3 days if it’s cut.
Are you going to store your cabbage in the fridge Reddit? Then you must know that it only lasts for up to 2 weeks (if whole). If you have cut it, it only lasts 2-3 days.
Cabbage soup lasts about five days in the refrigerator. However, if you want it to last longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
We don’t recommend you store cabbage out of the fridge. However, some people wrap it in a newspaper. If you keep it without refrigeration, please always check if it’s not spoiled before using it. Check all tips we gave you in this article to know if your cabbage is going bad.
We don’t recommend you store cabbage out of the fridge. However, some people wrap it in a newspaper. If you keep it without refrigeration, please always check if it’s not spoiled before using it. Check all tips we gave you in this article to know if your cabbage is going bad.
Cooked red cabbage can last 3-5 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for 10-12 months.
If you saved whole raw cabbage, it lasts for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. However, if you cut it, it’ll only last for up to 3 days.
The answer is yes. Vegetables and fruits can cause food poisoning outbreaks because they can be contaminated with bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E. Coli). You must have particular attention to cabbage, spinach, tomatoes, lettuce, and celery.
We recommend you keep your whole cabbage in the crisper drawer of the fridge, wrapped in plastic. It must be stored at 41 °F or below. This way, it will keep freshness for two weeks. As we have said before, cut or shredded cabbage won’t last more than three days in the refrigerator.
Cabbage can smell like vinegar because it has sulfur compounds. However, if you notice this smell, it indicates it’s not fresh or overcooked.
Yes. You can freeze the cabbage in shreds, leaves, or wedges. We recommend you freeze it in wedges, especially if you still don’t know how you’re going to use it.
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Welcome to my food site, RecipesAndPanty.com. I am a man who enjoys creating recipes and researching everything about food. This blog is dedicated to my grandmother because she gave me a taste for cooking.