Cabbage lasts 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge and 10 to 12 months frozen
Quick answer
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Fridge
Keeps for 1-2 weeks
Keep cabbage in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, and wash it under running water before you prepare or eat it.
Watch out Cut off at least 1 inch around and below a small mold spot, and keep the knife out of the mold.
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Freezer
Keeps for 10-12 months
Blanch or partially cook the cabbage in boiling water or in a microwave oven, chill it rapidly, and then freeze it.
Cabbage lasts 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and 10 to 12 months in the freezer, counted from the date of purchase. Blanch it before you freeze it. If a head has a small mold spot, cut off at least 1 inch around and below it and keep the knife out of the mold.
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Cabbage lasts 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and 10 to 12 months in the freezer, counted from the date you buy it. Those are the times in the USDA FoodKeeper data.
This guide covers where to keep a head of cabbage, how to freeze it, how to wash it, and what to do about a mold spot.
How long does cabbage last in the fridge?
Cabbage lasts 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, counted from the date you bought it. That is the USDA FoodKeeper time for cabbage. Freeze what you won’t use by then.
Does cabbage need to be refrigerated?
Yes, keep cabbage in the refrigerator. FoodKeeper lists a refrigerator time and a freezer time for cabbage, and no room-temperature time.
How to store cabbage
Store cabbage in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. The FDA gives that temperature for perishable fresh fruits and vegetables.
Choose a head that isn’t bruised or damaged when you buy it. Wash it under running water before you prepare or eat it.
How to store pre-cut or bagged cabbage
Refrigerate cabbage you buy pre-cut or bagged. The FDA also says to choose pre-cut, bagged, or packaged produce only when it is refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
How long does homemade coleslaw last?
Homemade coleslaw lasts 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator, according to FoodKeeper. That is much shorter than the 1 to 2 weeks for cabbage.
How long does cooked cabbage last in the fridge?
Cooked cabbage lasts 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, according to USDA FoodKeeper. That is the time for leftover cooked vegetables without meat, fish, poultry, or egg.
It’s much shorter than the 1 to 2 weeks a head of cabbage lasts before you cook it. If you won’t eat the leftovers in 3 to 4 days, freeze them.
Can you freeze cabbage?
Yes, cabbage freezes for 10 to 12 months, counted from the date of purchase, according to FoodKeeper.
Can you freeze raw cabbage?
Yes, but blanch it first. The USDA says most vegetables that freeze well need brief, partial cooking before freezing to prevent deterioration, a step called blanching.
Cabbage is one of the vegetables FoodKeeper lists for the freezer, so use the same step for it.
Can you freeze shredded, red, or napa cabbage?
Yes, shredded, red, and napa cabbage all freeze for 10 to 12 months, counted from the date of purchase. FoodKeeper has one line for cabbage, with no separate line for shredded, red, or napa cabbage.
Blanch the cabbage first and chill it rapidly, as the USDA’s freezing and food safety page advises for vegetables that freeze well.
How to freeze cabbage
To freeze cabbage, blanch it, chill it rapidly, and then freeze it.
- Rinse the head under plain running water and remove the outermost leaves.
- Blanch or partially cook the cabbage in boiling water or in a microwave oven.
- Chill the cabbage rapidly.
- Put it in the freezer.
Can you freeze cooked cabbage?
Yes, cooked cabbage keeps 1 to 2 months in the freezer, according to FoodKeeper. That is the time for leftover cooked vegetables without meat, fish, poultry, or egg.
It’s much shorter than the 10 to 12 months FoodKeeper gives cabbage from the date of purchase, so use frozen cooked cabbage within 1 to 2 months.
How to wash cabbage
Rinse cabbage under plain running water, gently rub it, and dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel, as the FDA’s tips for cleaning fruits and vegetables explain. Also remove the outermost leaves of the head.
Rinse the cabbage before you cut it, so dirt and bacteria aren’t carried from the surface as you cut.
How to tell if cabbage is bad
Cabbage that looks rotten has gone bad, so throw it away. Cut away any damaged or bruised areas before you prepare or eat the rest.
What should you do about mold on cabbage?
Cut off at least 1 inch around and below a small mold spot, and keep the knife out of the mold. Cabbage is a firm vegetable with low moisture, and the USDA’s guide to molds on food says it is difficult for mold to penetrate dense foods.
Frequently asked questions
How long does cabbage last?
Cabbage lasts 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and 10 to 12 months in the freezer, both counted from the date of purchase.
What does it mean to blanch cabbage?
Blanching is brief, partial cooking in boiling water or in a microwave oven. You chill the cabbage rapidly afterward, before it goes in the freezer.
Can you use soap or produce wash on cabbage?
No. Plain running water is enough, and the FDA does not recommend soap, detergent, or commercial produce wash because produce is porous and can absorb them.
Does washing cabbage remove all bacteria?
No. Washing reduces bacteria but does not eliminate them. Drying the cabbage with a clean cloth or paper towel reduces bacteria further.
How long does cooked cabbage last in the freezer?
Cooked cabbage keeps 1 to 2 months in the freezer, according to FoodKeeper's line for leftover cooked vegetables without meat, fish, poultry, or egg.
Does cooked cabbage last as long as raw cabbage?
No. Cooked cabbage lasts 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and 1 to 2 months in the freezer. A head of cabbage lasts 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and 10 to 12 months in the freezer.
