How Long Does Cabbage Last?

How long does cabbage last? Cabbage is one of the longest lasting vegetables around. Although it looks a lot like lettuce, much more time can go by before it begins to wilt. The shelf life of cabbage depends when it was picked and how it was stored.

Cabbage is either green in color or purple (called red cabbage). Both types are very strong and sturdy.

Choose a cabbage that is heavy for its size to last the longest since a tighter compaction between the leaves means less air within the head.

So, how long does cabbage last? When properly stored, the shelf life of fresh cabbage past its picked or purchased date is approximately ...

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Cabbage Expiration Date

Counter Refrigerator Freezer
Cabbage (Whole) last for 1-2 Days 4-5 Weeks 9-12 Months (blanch first)
Cabbage (Cut) last for 2-3 Hours 7-10 Days 9-12 Months (blanch first)

Of course, all foods last for a shorter period of time if they are not stored properly. But remember that cabbage, like a lot of other fresh vegetables, usually do not have a use by date or a best before date so you will have to use the date purchased or date picked.

How to tell if Cabbage is bad, rotten or spoiled?

Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques will help prevent foodborne illness.

The best way to determine if your cabbage is beyond an eat by date is to follow your nose. An old cabbage will smell like, well, an old cabbage. Some other common traits that will be noticeable before the smell is shrinking or shriveling outside leaves on the whole cabbage.

Cut cabbages will begin to turn a grayish black color on any cut edge as they begin to age. If you have a cabbage cut in half (or even wedges) and notice the edges are turning color, simply cut a slice off the already cut edge and discard only that piece. The rest of the cabbage should be fine.

There are, of course, certain health risks associated with spoiled foods so always remember to practice food safety and enjoy your foods before their shelf life has expired!

How to store Cabbage to extend its shelf life?

Cabbage is best kept in the refrigerator, preferably in a plastic bag in the vegetable drawer. Don't wash the head until you are ready to use it.

For a long term storage option, cabbage can be frozen if blanched first and then placed in an airtight freezer safe container.

Some benefits of proper food storage include eating healthier, cutting food costs and helping the environment by avoiding waste.

How long is Cabbage good for when prepared in a dish?

How long does cabbage last? That depends. How long do carrots last? In general, foods last only as long as the quickest expiring ingredient in the dish with which they are prepared.

What are our shelf life resources?

In determining how long Cabbage lasts, our content incorporates research from multiple resources, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Food & Drug Administration. In addition, we scoured the web for informative articles and reports related to food safety, food storage and the shelf life of Cabbage.

*An important note about expiration dates...

Although the Cabbage shelf life information on Eat By Date is generally reliable, please remember that individual cases will vary and that our advice should only be taken as an opinion and not a replacement for your health care professional. Please eat responsibly!

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With oven-safe glass and water-tight lids, these food storage containers are ready for action! Not a Prime Member? Try a 30-day free trial today!

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