Currently freezing cabbage is very possible. However, the structure of cabbage does tend to break down during the freezing process. A brief heating prior to freezing-by boiling/dipping it briefly in boiling water-will help the cabbage leaves retain better, although it won't be as good as fresh cabbage. As long as you're okay with that, here's how to freeze an abundant supply of cabbage.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Round Cabbage
Step 1. Choose a suitable cabbage
The cabbage must be fresh, clean and not moldy or damaged.
Step 2. Remove the rough outermost part of the leaf
Throw it in the trash or make compost.
Step 3. Pull the remaining leaves from the base of the cabbage
Use a knife to make a cut line at the base/cob, then pull out the leaves one by one as a whole.
Step 4. Bring water to a boil in a large pot
Heat the cabbage leaves in the pot for about 1 1/2 minutes. It is better to dip a few or a number of cabbage leaves rather than trying to dip the whole cabbage at once.
Step 5. Remove the cabbage leaves from the boiling water and dip them into a bowl of iced water
This will stop the cooking process quickly.
Step 6. Drain the cabbage leaves
Gently shake the cabbage leaves to remove excess water. Then, place it on absorbent paper or wire mesh to drain it.
Step 7. Pack the cabbage leaves in a sealed bag or container
Leave room for expansion, about 1.5 cm. Remove as much air as possible if you are using a sealed bag.
Alternatively, the cabbage leaves can be laid out on a flat baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then frozen, wrapped or placed in a special container
Step 8. Seal the container or bag
Provide label and packaging date. Store in the refrigerator in the freezer section.
Step 9. Usage
Frozen cabbage leaves can be added directly to soups, stews, and other dishes. Frozen cabbage leaves can also be used to make cabbage rolls-by thawing them out of the refrigerator.
Method 2 of 3: Cabbage Cuts
Step 1. Choose a suitable cabbage
The cabbage must be fresh, clean and not moldy or damaged.
Step 2. Remove the rough outer part of the leaf
Throw it in the trash or make compost.
Step 3. Cut the cabbage leaves
It's up to you whether to cut the cabbage into thick triangular (wedge-like) slices or cut it into medium-sized pieces.
Step 4. Heat the cabbage leaves as in the first method
You'll most likely be able to heat a little more in one boil, as there will be more room when the cabbage is chopped.
If you cut the cabbage in a triangular shape like a wedge, then it will need to be heated for 3 minutes
Step 5. Drain the heated cabbage
Place in a colander or similar container and let the excess water drip off. You can also place the cabbage leaves on a sheet of absorbent paper to allow them to air dry as soon as the excess water drips off.
Step 6. Pack and seal as above
If you prefer, you can also use a reheatable bag inside a strong sealable bag.
Step 7. Usage
Cabbage leaves can be cut into cubes or small chunks and added to soups, stews, stir-fries, etc. according to the needs. Add frozen cabbage to food while it's cooking or thaw it before adding it. If thawing cabbage is for use in coleslaw (a kind of salad of sliced cabbage, carrots, onions, with mayonnaise/gravy) or stir-fry, first thaw the cabbage in the refrigerator.
Note: Not everyone agrees that thawed frozen cabbage is good for coleslaw, as it can turn mushy. Realize that this can happen; and if so, use cabbage in cooked dishes instead
Method 3 of 3: Freezing Pickled/Sauted Cabbage
Step 1. Use only fully fermented pickles/sauerkraut
Step 2. Put the pickles / pickles in a special bag or container for storage in the freezer in small doses (±600 ml) or in 950 ml
Step 3. Leave about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes
If you are using a bag/pouch, push gently to let out as much air as possible before sealing it firmly.
Step 4. Seal the bag/pouch
Label and date of packaging.
Step 5. Store in the freezer
In a frozen state, pickles / sauerkraut can last for 8-12 months.
Step 6. Usage
Defrost some of the pickles in the refrigerator, then use as usual.
Tips
- Note: Cabbage will lose some of its flavor when frozen. There are two choices, namely, between losing all the freshness of the cabbage or retaining some of it for a longer time but not as tasty as when it was fresh.
- Frozen cabbage that has been preheated will keep for 10 to 12 months.
