Proven ways to keep cabbage fresh for the winter

Is it possible to keep cabbage fresh until spring?

Taking out a head of fresh cabbage from the bins and quickly chopping it into a salad or using it for borscht is quite possible even in March. Under optimal conditions, certain varieties of vegetables can be stored almost in their original form for up to eight months .

Other options

How to store fresh cabbage for the winter in an apartment? Storing cabbage at home in winter also involves:

• freezing cabbage for the winter;
• drying cabbage for the winter.

Cabbage is not stored fresh , but is frozen in freezers or dried. These methods are unlikely to be suitable for storing a large harvest, but for part of it they are quite suitable. The popularity of these methods has recently increased, despite the loss of the vegetable’s original state.

To freeze cabbage, you need to cut it or shred it.

Dried cabbage retains its properties

Freezing white cabbage is not the best storage method, as it loses its appearance. But freezing is an ideal way to store broccoli, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower at home.

Suitable varieties

White cabbage lasts longer than its exotic relatives - Brussels sprouts, broccoli, Peking, Savoy and cauliflower. However, the keeping quality varies among varieties.

, which in some regions ripen by June, are not suitable for winter stocks Loose heads of thin leaves do not tolerate storage well and quickly begin to rot, so this type of cabbage is served in the days immediately after harvest.

Late varieties and hybrids are considered champions in terms of shelf life. However, many of them are distinguished by tough leaves with hard veins, so they are not consumed fresh, but are used mainly for pickling and pickling.

They will last almost unchanged until next spring.:

• Amager 611 (pictured);
• Aros F1;
• Snow White;
• Geneva F1;
• Wintering 1474;
• Crewmont;
• Turkiz;
• Kharkov winter;
• Miracle F1.

Late cabbage tends to improve taste during storage due to the accumulation of sugars.

To pamper yourself with vitamin salads in winter, you should pay attention to mid-late varieties, especially hybrids :

• Atria;
• Countess F1;
• Dobrovolskaya;
• Winter Gribovskaya;
• Merchant's wife (photo on the right);
• Menza F1;
• Present;
• Symphony F1;
• Filibuster F1.

Selection of heads of cabbage for long-term storage

If you take cabbage at the market or in a store and its variety is unknown, be guided by the following signs :

1. Late and mid-late varieties appear on the shelves at the end of September - October. Everything that is sold before is either early cabbage, or imported products, or remnants of last year’s harvest.
2. The heads of late-ripening varieties are large and tight, the leaves are strong, tightly adjacent to each other. The upper ones may have a light green tint, but the lower ones are always white.
3. The taste of late cabbage is bitter immediately after harvest, but softens after several months of storage.

If possible, choose heads of cabbage with the stalk not cut off at the very base . Such copies are stored longer.

The best varieties of cabbage for winter storage

The variety of cabbage for winter storage must be taken into account. You can leave white cabbage, but early varieties are not suitable for these purposes. Their harvest is harvested from May to June, their forks are loose, and therefore will not last long. Mid- or late-ripening varieties are best suited; they retain their elasticity and juiciness for a long time (from 6 to 8 months).

Main mid-late varieties:

• Snowstorm,
• Harvest,
• Dobrovodskaya,
• Present,
• Menza,
• Belarusian.

The main late-ripening varieties:

• Amager,
• Valentina,
• Rinda,
• Stone head,
• Glory,
• Snow White.

When and how to properly harvest cabbage for long-term storage

Harvest time largely depends on the variety, so you need to carefully read the seed label. Late cabbage is harvested closer to October, when daytime temperatures drop to +2...+8°C and the first night frosts are observed .

There is no need to rush to cut the heads of cabbage, as cell sap should accumulate in the leaves. With its deficiency, cabbage begins to wither and crack. However, there is no need to delay collection, otherwise heavy rainfall and frosts below -3...-5°C will provoke putrefactive processes.

It is advisable to harvest in dry, clear weather, and if it rains, dry the heads of cabbage under a canopy . The stalks are left protruding 2-5 cm, and the covering leaves are left untouched. This will protect the cabbage overwintering in the cellar from pathogens and mechanical damage.

Reference. To store the heads of cabbage in a suspended state, the stumps are uprooted from the ground with a shovel.

Then the forks are sorted, selecting only dense, ripened ones for storage . Immature, cracked, diseased or frozen specimens are discarded. Some tricks will help increase the shelf life of the crop :

• to make the outer leaves more elastic and less brittle, they need to be allowed to wilt a little;
• Crushed chalk helps protect cabbage from rot - it is used to “pollinate” the cabbage heads before storing them;
• It is better not to put forks of different varieties in one place, especially those that differ greatly in the duration of the growing season.

It can be useful:

How to prepare dried cabbage and where to use it

Proper storage of sauerkraut in the refrigerator

Harvest

Late cabbage varieties have a long growing season. There is a danger in this. If you do not have time to harvest from the garden before frost -5 ° C, then the frozen vegetable will not be stored.

But there is no need to rush through this procedure. The heads of cabbage must be fully formed and mature. The holiday of Intercession (October 14) is the time when you need to harvest cabbage from the garden.

Remove late cabbage on dry, sunny days when the air temperature does not rise above 5-7 °C.

1. When ready for harvesting, carefully separate the heads of cabbage from the stalk with a knife or hatchet, leaving 5 cm. Or pull out the plants by the roots. Try not to damage the waxy coating that protects them from premature deterioration.
2. Place the cut or plucked heads into bags, baskets or boxes and take them away from the garden. If you plan to store cabbage for a long time, it is better not to tear off the top leaves - they will gradually fall off on their own.
3. When the crop is harvested, carefully inspect each head. Healthy, dense heads of cabbage weighing 2 kg or more are suitable for winter storage. Small specimens are best used for canning.
4. The heads must be free of mechanical damage, cracks and traces of pest activity. Set aside heads of cabbage that are cut too high or poorly for processing and consumption first. Immediately place selected copies in storage.

We answer the question: when to buy cabbage for winter storage?

For storage, it is better to grow it yourself. This way you will be confident in the product. But if this is not possible, you should purchase vegetables for the winter during the period of mass harvesting of late-ripening varieties, that is, not earlier than the end of September.

Where to store

There are many options for storing cabbage : basements, cellars, sheds, balconies, loggias and even earthen pits in a summer cottage. However, it is better to choose rooms with fresh ventilation, controlled temperature and humidity. It is also important to be able to periodically check the heads of cabbage and remove spoiled ones.

At home

If the size of your living space allows, you can keep cabbage right in your apartment. The ideal place would be a storage room in the hallway or even on the staircase - away from the central heating radiators. But do not count on a long shelf life for the heads of cabbage, since these storage facilities are still too warm and not humid enough.

At best, cabbage will last 1-2 months.

In the cellar (basement)

Optimal storage conditions for white cabbage are temperature 0...+2°C and humidity 80-90% . These conditions can be easily created in the cellar, so its presence gives every chance to preserve the harvest until spring.

The main factor for successful storage is cleanliness of the premises . Therefore, the walls, floor and ceiling of the basement should be disinfected - treated with lime or a commercial antiseptic. This will protect surfaces from fungus and mold.

Attention! Eliminate the appearance of insects and rodents in the cellar. Block access routes: seal the cracks, cover the ventilation hole with a fine metal grill. You can use ultrasonic repellers, mechanical traps, but it is better to avoid using toxic substances.

Cabbage is stored in the form of a pyramidal stack on a dry wooden floor or spread out on racks . In both cases, it is necessary to ensure constant air circulation:

• the flooring is installed at a height of 12-15 cm from the floor;
• leave at least 20 cm between the racks;
• The recommended stack dimensions are no more than 1 m in width and 60-70 cm in height.

In a refrigerator

In the vegetable compartment or in the so-called “fresh zone” in the refrigerator, cabbage can be stored for up to 30-45 days.

To do this, it needs to be properly prepared.:

• wrap the heads of cabbage with paper or cling film;
• treat the forks and shelves of the refrigerator with anti-rot preparations;
• trim the stalk as much as possible.

From time to time, the wrapping film or paper is inspected for condensation . If moisture appears, the cabbage is repacked.

Reference. Long-term storage of cabbage in the refrigerator is prevented by its close proximity to other products, light and constant opening of the chamber, which disrupts the temperature regime.

On the balcony

Storing cabbage on the balcony and loggia has some disadvantages:

• too dry and warm air on insulated loggias;
• the likelihood of frost is on non-insulated ones.

To create more favorable conditions, you will have to either constantly ventilate the room or insulate supplies.

Reference. A possible solution is to use a special heating cabinet or its budget alternatives - wooden boxes inserted into each other with a thermal insulation layer between them or a broken refrigerator. In such storage facilities it is easier to maintain a constant temperature of +2°C.

In earthen pits

Storing the cabbage harvest using this method is acceptable only if there are no other options . Its main drawback is the high probability of freezing, dampness and rotting of the heads of cabbage. But it’s worth a try if there is a catastrophic lack of space in the apartment, but there is a summer cottage that is empty in winter.

To organize a pit:

1. Dig a hole approximately 60x60x60 cm in size.
2. The bottom of the pit is lined with straw, cabbage is laid on it in two layers, placing the heads of cabbage with the stalks facing up.
3. The vegetables are again covered with straw and covered with a wooden shield.
4. Cover the top with 20 cm of soil and level it with a rake.

Unfortunately, it will not be possible to check the condition of the vegetables without digging a hole and letting cold air in.

Practical freezing

Freezing vegetables is a labor-intensive technology for preserving food. In this way, you can prepare greens, some vegetables and fruits for the winter. But is it possible to freeze cabbage in the freezer? Yes, as semi-finished products for preparing first and second courses.

The easiest way to prepare sliced ​​cabbage is:

1. Take fresh, tight heads of cabbage, remove the outer leaves, and cut out the stalk.
2. Rinse the head under running water and let it dry.
3. Cut the vegetable into small strips.
4. Place the prepared cuts in plastic containers or plastic bags.
5. Place the workpiece in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator.

Cabbage can be stored in the freezer longer than in the vegetable compartment - from 6 months. up to 1 year. You can use it immediately; there is no need to wait until the product thaws.

Frozen cabbage is not suitable for salads, as it loses its appearance and crunch. But for preparing hot dishes - just right

You can also freeze cabbage individual leaves. Such preparations are suitable for preparing cabbage rolls. To do this, use summer varieties or loose, loose heads of late ripening.

1. For whole cabbage, remove the top leaves and the stem.
2. Rinse and dry the vegetable.
3. Carefully separate the heads of cabbage into individual leaves.
4. Place the workpiece into bags in portions.
5. Place the cabbage leaves in the freezer.

Frozen cabbage must thaw before cooking. To do this, place it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. When it softens, the dish can be cooked.

A big plus in favor of freezing cabbage for cabbage rolls is that the vegetable does not need to be boiled first. The leaves are quite soft after defrosting.

Note to the hostess

Not all varieties behave “persistently”. Some spread out after defrosting, and you won’t be able to roll the cabbage rolls. If you don’t know how cabbage will behave, then immediately roll up the cabbage rolls and freeze them.

Optimal storage conditions

To ensure the freshness of cabbage for several months, the following conditions are needed::

• temperature not lower than –1°С and not higher than +5°С;
• high air humidity – 80-95%;
• restricting access to light;
• good air permeability (in the absence of constant ventilation, it is recommended to ventilate the room at least once a month);
• compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards - protecting supplies from mold, mildew, and small rodents.

The recommended air temperature and humidity for storing cabbage are inversely related : the lower the temperature, the higher the humidity and vice versa. Therefore, in the main chamber of the refrigerator, where the heat is maintained at about 4°C, 80% humidity is sufficient.

Or maybe it’s still a storage room?

If the apartment has a small pantry, you can equip it with cabbage storage. Only the pantry should not be in the kitchen. It is better if it is in the corridor, closer to the front door. The ideal location for a storage room would be a stairwell.

To store the pantry, forks with a well-cut stalk are carefully covered with cling film, and always in several layers. When wrapping, you need to press the film into the head of cabbage to remove excess air. When inspecting the heads of cabbage, which must be done at least once every 10 days, remove the rotten leaves and re-wrap the leaves with film. This is the simplest method for storing cabbage in an apartment. But in modern residential high-rises such storage rooms are not provided.

Methods for storing fresh cabbage

Proper organization will help extend the shelf life of cabbage : so that there is an air gap between the heads of cabbage and they do not press on each other with their own weight.

In film

Polyethylene film, wrapped around the head of cabbage in three layers, maintains the necessary level of humidity inside the head so that its leaves do not dry out and remain crispy . This method is often used when storing cabbage in the refrigerator or on the balcony.

Reference. Vegetables are packaged in film for hygienic purposes - it protects from external influences, harmful microorganisms and insects. To be sure to get rid of insect pests, it is recommended to first soak the cabbage in salted water, dry it or blot it with a cotton towel, and only then pack it.

In paper

The paper creates additional thermal insulation , and forks completely wrapped in it do not touch each other. Cabbage packaged in this way can be stored in boxes and bags.

Reference. It is better to use thin parchment paper for wrapping. Colored and newspaper materials contain lead.

In the box

Due to the gaps between the slats, the box is ventilated, so it is well suited for storing vegetables . The material of manufacture and the dimensions of the container are not particularly important.

Place the boxes in stacks that are not too close to each other. To ensure air access, leave 10 cm between them on each side.

On the grid

A large mesh gives a good visual overview of the cabbage stored in it - this makes it easier to inspect the supplies for damage without removing each head of cabbage from the bag. Another plus is ease of transportation, since the packaging weighs almost nothing.

It is better to place bags and nets on wooden pallets or racks, rather than on a cold earthen floor.

In sand

The sand between the cabbage forks serves as a natural adsorbent and heat insulator , therefore it preserves supplies for as long as possible.

Several options for storing cabbage in sand are described. The first allows you to arrange stocks more compactly :

1. A generous layer of well-dried clean sand is poured onto the bottom of the wooden box.
2. The heads of cabbage are laid on top with the stalks facing up.
3. Sand is again poured over the cabbage and the layers are repeated until the box is full.

The second option can lead to rooting and germination of the vegetable:

1. The bottom of the box is filled 20 cm with sand.
2. The forks are laid in one layer, sticking the stalks into the sand.

To prevent the appearance of pathogenic microflora, it is better to pre-calcinate the sand . This will also get rid of excess moisture.

In clay

To preserve freshness and a pleasant crunch, cabbage can be wrapped in a “clay coat” . To do this, clay is mixed with water in a 2:1 ratio to obtain the consistency of thick sour cream. Then coat each head of cabbage and place it at a distance from each other so that the layer is completely dry. When the clay hardens, the cabbage is placed on a shelf or in boxes.

Aweigh

To hang cabbage from the ceiling, the stumps are kept as long as possible . One end of a strong non-slip thread (twine, twine) is tied around the stump, the other is secured to any holders under the ceiling: beams, hooks, stretched ropes, etc.

Heads of cabbage suspended in this way do not cake, as they are well ventilated .
They are always in sight and can be examined from all sides. As a result, cabbage remains fresh until summer.

Useful tips

• When preparing small heads of cabbage for storage, it is recommended to soak each fork in salt water for about a quarter of an hour. Then the head of cabbage is dried with a towel. This rids the product of insects and completely disinfects it.
• Regular inspection of vegetables is necessary. If you find that the leaves begin to lose their color and darken, you need to urgently remove the paper or film from the leaves. After carefully cutting off the rotten leaves, you should wrap the cabbage again.
• If you see that cabbage is losing its appearance, it is better to ferment it or prepare some kind of preserved food.

Now you know how to store cabbage in your apartment. Try these methods and share your own successes. If you have any questions, ask them in the comments.

Best before date

The shelf life of cabbage depends on many factors.:

1. Keeping quality of varieties. Varieties with excellent keeping quality are edible for seven months, with good keeping quality for six months, and with satisfactory keeping quality for four months.
2. Temperature conditions. At room temperature (+20...+22°C) the vegetable can be stored for up to three months, at a temperature of 0...+2°C - up to seven months.
3. Availability of packaging. Heads of cabbage wrapped in film or paper, sprinkled with sand or coated with clay are more protected from the external environment.
4. Ventilation of premises. Lack of air and its mustiness shorten the shelf life of any product, including cabbage.
5. Sanitary conditions and diseases. Microorganisms and rodents contribute to the development of diseases (mold, mucous and vascular bacteriosis, gray and white rot, phomosis, punctate necrosis).

How to prepare cabbages for storage

In order for the harvest not to lose its quality for a long time, it is necessary to properly prepare the heads of cabbage. They begin cutting cabbage for storage from the moment the temperature drops to 0...+5 °C. Numerous studies have found that the respiration of cabbage heads collected at the specified temperature is less intense, due to which they are better stored.

Heads of cabbage should be collected on a dry day. If the weather is constantly rainy, then the heads of cabbage will need to be dried, and this is difficult and not always effective. You need to cut the cabbage with a very sharp knife, making sure to keep the stalks at least 3 cm long. If in the future the vegetable is stored hanging, then it is not cut, but pulled out by the roots.

You cannot completely tear off the covering leaves; you need to leave 2-3 pieces. They prevent the head of cabbage from mechanical damage and the penetration of pathogenic bacteria and putrefactive fungi into the edible part, which can completely destroy it.

It is also necessary to sort the collected heads of cabbage before storing. Cabbage should not be stored in the following cases:

• not fully formed;
• loose heads of cabbage;
• having damage;
• cracked;
• caught by frost;
• affected by diseases;
• damaged by pests.

After sorting, you can send the cabbage for storage. Rejected vegetables are sent for processing. If the head of cabbage is very badly damaged by disease, then it is better not to eat it.

Among the recommendations for collection and storage, it is important to follow the following step: before storing cabbage, if there is moisture on its outer leaves, the forks must be slightly dried.