Not sure how to store cabbage? I’ve got you covered! Here are my tips to storing a whole head of cabbage and what you need to know about how to keep cut or or shredded cabbage fresh for as long as possible.

A head of cabbage on a cutting board with a white towel and a knife next to it.

Table of contents

  1. How to select a cabbage
  2. How to store a head of cabbage
  3. How to store cabbage after is has been cut
  4. How to store shredded cabbage
  5. Recipes that use cabbage
  6. Other useful vegetable how-tos

How to select a cabbage

I see fresh cabbages in the store pretty much all year long, so this recipe is a great side dish to enjoy during any season. However, when selecting a cabbage at the store or market, look for:

  • a cabbage that is firm. A soft cabbage means that it is old and on its way to the compost pile.
  • heads of cabbage with crisp, brightly colored leaves. Avoid heads that have yellowing or wilted looking leaves.
  • cabbage that is free of cracks or bruises. These will result in a cabbage rotting faster.

How to store a head of cabbage

Once you have the perfect head of cabbage in hand, be sure to store it properly so that it is fresh, delicious and perfect for when you are ready to make these roasted cabbage steaks.

  • Don’t wash the cabbage until you are ready to use it.
  • Place your cabbage in the crisper drawer and/or in a large plastic storage bag to hold in its natural moisture.
  • Don’t cut it, ideally. When you cut a cabbage, it can start to brown and lose moisture much faster than a whole head. If you have a partial head of cabbage, be sure to store it in an air tight container to lock in moisture and minimize air getting to it.
  • Use a head of cabbage within a month, though they can last for up to two months when stored properly.
A head of cabbage wrapped in plastic in a crisper with a red bell pepper and avocado.

How to store cabbage after it is cut

So, while it is ideal to keep your cabbage whole while storing it, those suckers can be big and eating one in one meal or recipe isn’t always going to happen. Here is how to store shredded or cut cabbage to keep it fresh for as long as possible.

How to store cut cabbage:

  • Either wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, in a large plastic bag, or in an air-tight container in your crisper. This will help to lock in your cabbage’s natural moisture and reduce oxidation.
  • Cut cabbage should be used in 2-3 days.

How to store shredded cabbage:

  • Place shredded cabbage in a tightly sealing plastic bag or air-tight container.
  • Store in coldest part of your fridge.
  • Shredded cabbage should stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored properly.
A halved head of cabbage. One half is in a sealed container and the other is on a marble table top next to a knife.
Shredded cabbage in a container on a cutting board. Next to it is a knife and wedge of cabbage.

Recipes that include cabbage

These are some of my favorite cabbage recipes that will help you not only use up your veggie while it is still fresh, but enjoy how wonderfully diverse cabbage can be.

Tex-Mex Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Avocado Sauce

Sheet Pan Orange Tofu & Veggies

Egg Roll Meatballs

Slow cooker corned beef

Spicy Cabbage Soup

Did you find this veggie-how to helpful?

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