How long does cabbage last?

A whole head of cabbage keeps 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge from the day you buy it. Blanched, it keeps 10 to 12 months in the freezer. Cut cabbage keeps less time, so use it first.

Food	Fridge	Freezer
Cabbage	1–2 weeksfrom purchase	10–12 monthsfrom purchase

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if cabbage has gone bad

Slimy, mushy or dark leaves beyond the outer layer.
Black or brown spots spreading inside, or mold.
A strong, sour or rotten smell, stronger than cabbage's usual sulfur smell.

How to store cabbage

Keep a whole cabbage unwashed in the crisper drawer, loosely wrapped in plastic.
Peel off and discard wilted outer leaves just before using it, not before storing.
Wrap a cut cabbage tightly and use it within a few days: cut edges dry out and lose vitamin C.
Refrigerate coleslaw and other cabbage salads, and eat them within a few days.

Can you freeze cabbage?

Yes, for 10 to 12 months, for cooking. Cut it into wedges or shred it, blanch it for 1 to 2 minutes, cool it in ice water, drain it well and freeze it in bags. Use it in soups, stews, stir-fries and stuffed cabbage leaves: freezing even makes the leaves easier to roll.

Questions

How long does cut cabbage last?

A few days in the fridge, wrapped tightly. Trim the cut edge before using it if it has dried or browned.

Can you eat cabbage with black spots?

Small black specks on the leaves are often harmless spotting from storage; peel those leaves off. Spreading black rot or slime means it should go.

Does cabbage need to be refrigerated?

For more than a few days, yes. A whole cabbage keeps 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge; in a cold cellar it can keep much longer.

Add cabbage to ShelfLife, and get a reminder before half a head goes to waste.

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