The different types of cabbage can be used in many different ways. A head of cabbage is often of an impressive size, so that in most cases something is left over. To keep leftover cabbage fresh for as long as possible, it's a good idea to freeze it. We will explain to you how best to do this.

If the cabbage is blanched briefly before freezing, valuable nutrients are retained

Freeze cabbage - simple step-by-step instructions

Preliminary remark: In principle, you can freeze raw cabbage without any problems. However, more vitamins and other good ingredients are generally lost in the process than if you prepare it before freezing (blanch it briefly).

  1. Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage by hand or with a knife and set them aside for now. Don't throw away the leaves. For example, they can be pureed and integrated into a smoothie or used as an addition to a potato dish. Additionally, you can freeze these elements of cabbage as well if desired.
  2. Now cut the cabbage in half with a sharp knife. Then divide the two halves again so that you have four pieces in front of you.
  3. Remove the stalk. A sharp knife is also required for this.
  4. Cut the cabbage pieces into your preferred shape. Narrow strips are suitable, but cubes are also possible.
  5. Bring salted water to a boil.
  6. Add the cabbage pieces or strips to the boiling salted water.
  7. Turn the heat down so the water is just bubbling.
  8. Leave the cabbage pieces in it for a maximum of ten minutes.
  9. Drain the cabbage (use a colander).
  10. Shock the pieces with ice water.
  11. Drain the cabbage well. You can help with a salad spinner (if you're in a hurry) or place the pieces on paper towels and gently pat dry. The cabbage pieces or strips must be absolutely dry before freezing. Do not freeze them wet or damp.
  12. Portion the cabbage parts into several freezer bags or deep-freezing cans. In the first case (freezer bags) you should suck the air out - either with a vacuum sealer or with your mouth. Portioning is important to give the cabbage pieces enough space.
  13. Label the bags or cans with the date. This way you will know months later how long the cabbage has been frozen.
  14. Place the containers in the freezer.

Note: The cabbage will keep in this way for about eight months.

Extra: Instructions for freezing the outer leaves

If you decide not to use the outer leaves immediately, but also to freeze them, proceed as follows:

  1. Clean the leaves very thoroughly.
  2. Place the washed outer leaves in hot, lightly salted water. Be careful not to overcook the vegetables (to avoid wasting vitamins). Otherwise, you determine how soft the leaves are later by the duration of the blanching. Always blanch the outer leaves separately from the “actual” parts of the cabbage.
  3. Briefly shock the leaves with cool water from the tap (ice water is not necessary here).
  4. When drying, portioning and freezing, proceed as you would with any other cabbage.

The garden journal freshness ABC

How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?

The garden journal freshness ABC as a poster:

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Vegetable garden