What You’ll Need:
- Cabbage heads
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large pot or basin
- Ice water
- Colander
- Freezer-safe bags or containers
- Permanent marker
Step 1: Selecting and Preparing Your Cabbage:
Choose fresh and firm cabbage heads for freezing. Remove any wilted or damaged outer leaves. Rinse the cabbage heads thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Step 2: Shredding or Chopping Cabbage:
Decide whether you want to freeze cabbage in shredded or chopped form. Shredded cabbage works well for coleslaw and stir-fries, while chopped cabbage is versatile for soups and stews. Using a sharp knife and cutting board, shred or chop the cabbage according to your preference.
Step 3: Blanching the Cabbage:
Blanching cabbage helps retain its texture and color during freezing. Fill a large pot or basin with water and bring it to a boil. Place the shredded or chopped cabbage into the boiling water and let it blanch for 1-2 minutes. Blanching time depends on the size of the cabbage pieces.
Step 4: Cooling and Draining:
After blanching, immediately transfer the cabbage into a colander and rinse it under cold running water or plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking process. Allow the cabbage to cool completely and drain well to remove excess moisture.
Step 5: Packaging and Freezing:
Divide the cooled and drained cabbage into portion sizes that suit your needs. Place the cabbage into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. Remove any excess air, seal the bags tightly, or close the containers securely. Remember to label the bags or containers with the date and contents using a permanent marker.
Step 6: Storing in the Freezer:
Transfer the packaged cabbage to the freezer and place them in a flat position for better storage efficiency. Avoid stacking or placing heavy items on top of the cabbage to prevent crushing. Ideally, store the cabbage in the coldest part of the freezer to maintain its quality for a longer time.
Step 7: Thawing and Using Frozen Cabbage:
To use frozen cabbage, simply remove the desired portion from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, the cabbage can be used in various recipes just like fresh cabbage. Note that the texture may be slightly softened after freezing, but the flavor and nutritional value remain intact.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be able to enjoy the goodness of fresh cabbage throughout the year. Freezing cabbage is a convenient and practical method to preserve this versatile vegetable. Happy freezing!