Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many dishes. From cabbage rolls to coleslaw, cabbage provides crunch and flavor to foods. Its hardy nature also makes it a good candidate for freezing. Freezing is a great way to preserve the harvest of cabbages so you can enjoy cabbage dishes all year round. But how well do cabbage dishes actually freeze? Here is an in-depth look at freezing cabbage and common cabbage dishes.
Does Raw Cabbage Freeze Well?
Raw cabbage can be frozen but it does lose some texture in the process. When freezing raw cabbage heads, first remove any damaged outer leaves. Cut the head into wedges or chop into desired sizes. Blanch the cabbage for 1-2 minutes in boiling water, then plunge into an ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain and pat dry. Pack into freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 6 months.
When thawed, raw frozen cabbage will be softer in texture. The leaves may fall apart more and have a more muted flavor. Frozen cabbage is best used cooked in soups, stews, and casseroles where texture is less important. Try to avoid freezing very large heads of cabbage raw, as the dense heads don’t freeze uniformly. Smaller wedges or chopped cabbage freeze much better.
Do Cooked Cabbage Dishes Freeze Well?
Cooked cabbage often freezes better than raw since the cooking process helps soften the vegetable upfront. Cooked cabbage dishes like soups, casseroles, and stir fries generally freeze very well. Here are some tips for freezing cooked cabbage dishes:
- Undercook the cabbage slightly before freezing a cooked dish. Cabbage will soften further during freezing.
- Allow dishes to cool fully before freezing. Flash freezing helps preserve texture and flavor.
- Leave some headspace in containers for expansion during freezing.
- Avoid freezing cooked cabbage dishes for longer than 2-3 months for best flavor and texture.
Most cooked cabbage dishes freeze well because cabbage maintains its flavor and binds well to sauces and seasonings. Just be careful not to overcook the cabbage initially or freeze for too long.
How to Freeze Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage rolls are a delicious way to savor cabbage all year long. Here are some tips for successfully freezing homemade cabbage rolls:
- Blanch cabbage leaves briefly to soften. Allow to drain and cool.
- Prepare cabbage roll filling but don’t overcook meat and rice.
- Roll up cabbage leaves around filling mixture and place in a baking dish or pan.
- Pour tomato sauce or broth over rolls. Leave 1 inch of headspace.
- Cool cabbage rolls completely then cover pan.
- Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in fridge before baking cabbage rolls again.
The key is to not overstuff the cabbage rolls before freezing. Allowing room for filling to expand prevents splitting rolls. Sauce on the rolls also helps maintain moisture during freezing.
Does Frozen Coleslaw Mix Work Well?
Packaged coleslaw mix containing shredded cabbage and carrots can be purchased frozen. This can save time prepping coleslaw. Frozen coleslaw mix works fairly well, especially for slaws dressed with a flavorful liquid. Be aware of a few differences using frozen versus fresh coleslaw mix:
| Frozen Coleslaw Mix | Fresh Coleslaw Mix |
|---|---|
| Slightly watery texture | Crunchy, crisp texture |
| Vegetables soften during freezing | Vegetables retain their crispness |
| Works well in saucy, liquidy slaws | Works well for all slaw styles |
To improve frozen coleslaw mix, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before making slaws. Drain any excess liquid before dressing. The texture won’t be quite as crunchy as fresh but the flavor can still shine through.
Freezing Leftover Coleslaw Safely
You may have some leftover coleslaw after a big picnic or barbecue. Here are some tips to freeze coleslaw safely:
- Chill coleslaw within 2 hours of serving to prevent bacterial growth.
- Store coleslaw in shallow containers to freeze quickly.
- Include dressing ingredients on the label since this affects shelf life.
- Freeze for no more than 2-3 months for best quality.
- Thaw coleslaw completely in the fridge before serving.
Prevent foodborne illness by freezing any leftovers promptly. Standard coleslaw dressed with mayo should not be frozen for over 3 months. Vinegar-based slaw can typically be frozen slightly longer.
Should You Freeze Sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut is made by fermenting cabbage. The good bacteria in fermented sauerkraut continue to be active when frozen. Here is how freezing affects sauerkraut:
- Freezing stops the fermentation process.
- Flavor and texture will change slightly after freezing.
- Thawed sauerkraut needs to be cooked before eating as bacteria resume activity.
- Freeze in recipe-sized portions for easier use after thawing.
For long term freezing, canned sauerkraut may maintain quality better than homemade versions. But frozen sauerkraut can still be used for cooking. Try it in soups, stews, pierogies, and other dishes.
Conclusion
Many cabbage dishes can be successfully frozen for later enjoyment. Raw cabbage and coleslaw mix will be softer in texture after freezing but can still add flavor. Cooked cabbage dishes often freeze very well. Allow space for expansion during freezing to prevent splitting of cabbage rolls. Handle leftovers like coleslaw properly and sauerkraut needs to be cooked before eating after freezing. With some care, frozen cabbage dishes can retain much of their original fresh flavor, color and appeal.