Head Cabbage

There are many different types of head cabbage which are commonly found in the stores. Check out the photos below:

Red Cabbage

Green Cabbage

Curly Cabbage/Savoy cabbage

There are more head cabbage varieties than the ones I have listed above, such as Napa and Brussels sprouts, to just name a couple. Since the techniques for selecting and storing those other varieties can be quite different, they are going to have a page of their own.

HOW TO PICK FRESH HEAD CABBAGE IN THE STORE

LOOK FOR THESE:

• Heavy for its size
• Tightly packed leaves that look fresh, and rich in its color
• A fresh looking stem end

AVOID THESE:

• Wrinkled and browning leaves beyond the top layer of leaves
• Tiny holes that go through many layers of leaves

HOW TO STORE FRESH HEAD CABBAGE

IN THE FRIDGE (WHOLE CABBAGE): The fresh cabbage can last for about a week or two if you leave it in a sealed plastic bag.

IN THE FRIDGE (PART OF THE CABBAGE): If you only used up part of the cabbage, the remaining cabbage should be sealed in a plastic bag also. Just remember that, once cut, the remaining cabbage will only stay fresh for a few more days. 

IN THE FREEZER: I use this method a lot for radish greens. Not a lot for cabbage because they are easy to find year round. However, if you would like to, you can simply blench the chopped cabbage, chill, then seal them in a freezer bag for later use. I usually discard them after 6 months if left unused.