Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate or referral links. I may earn a commission or receive products, services, discounts, or other compensation when you purchase or take action through certain links. You can read my full disclosure policy here.

Cabbage seems to be one of those foods people either love or avoid. I definitely love it!

Cabbage is affordable, versatile, and useful in so many meals. When I find cabbage at a great stock-up price or harvest more than we can use right away, I preserve it for later.

You do not have to rely on only one preservation method. Cabbage can be dehydrated, fermented, frozen, or kept fresh in cold storage. Here are several simple ways to preserve cabbage for winter.

Why Preserve Cabbage?

Preserving cabbage helps prevent food waste and allows you to take advantage of seasonal prices. Depending on the preservation method you choose, cabbage can later be used in:

• Soups and stews
• Casseroles
• Stir-fries
• Vegetable side dishes
• Homemade sauerkraut
• Other cooked meals

I prefer using several preservation methods because each one gives me a different way to use cabbage later.

How to Dehydrate Cabbage

Dehydrating is one of my favorite ways to preserve cabbage because the finished cabbage takes up very little pantry space.

For the best results, begin with a fresh, firm cabbage. The quality of the food you preserve affects the quality you will have when you use it later.

Supplies You Will Need

• Fresh cabbage
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large pot or steamer
• Colander
• Bowl of ice water
• Food dehydrator
• Airtight storage container
• Label and marker

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Remove any damaged or wilted outer leaves.

Wash the cabbage thoroughly under cool running water. Cut it into quarters, remove the hard core, and slice the cabbage into thin strips approximately ⅛-inch thick.

Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they dry evenly.

Step 2: Blanch the Cabbage

Blanching helps slow the enzyme activity that can affect the cabbage’s color, flavor, and quality during storage.

Steam-blanch the cabbage for approximately 2½ to 3 minutes, or water-blanch it for 1½ to 2 minutes.

Immediately place the cabbage in ice water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool for approximately the same amount of time it was blanched.

Drain the cabbage thoroughly.

Step 3: Fill the Dehydrator Trays

Spread the drained cabbage across your dehydrator trays.

Keep the pieces in a loose, even layer that allows air to circulate around them. Separate any pieces that are clumped together.

Step 4: Dehydrate the Cabbage

Set the dehydrator to approximately 140°F.

Drying time will vary depending on your dehydrator, the thickness of the cabbage, the amount on each tray, and the humidity in your home.

Check the cabbage regularly and rotate the trays if your dehydrator requires it.

Step 5: Check for Dryness

Properly dehydrated cabbage should be dry and brittle, with no soft or damp spots.

Check several of the largest pieces. If you are unsure whether the cabbage is completely dry, continue dehydrating it a little longer.

Moisture left in the cabbage can lead to spoilage during storage.

Step 6: Cool the Cabbage

Turn off the dehydrator and allow the cabbage to cool completely.

Do not package warm cabbage. Warm food can create condensation inside the storage container, adding moisture back into the cabbage.

Once it is cool, check the cabbage again. Return any pieces that are not completely dry to the dehydrator.

Step 7: Package and Store

Place the cooled cabbage in a clean, airtight container.

Label the container with the contents and the date. Store it in a cool, dry, dark place and check it periodically for moisture or signs of spoilage.

Discard the cabbage if you notice mold, moisture, an unpleasant odor, or any other sign of spoilage.

How to Use Dehydrated Cabbage

Dehydrated cabbage is especially useful in cooked meals.

Add it directly to soups and stews that contain plenty of liquid. To use it in other recipes, cover the cabbage with hot water and allow it to rehydrate until tender. Drain away any excess water before adding it to your meal.

The flavor and texture will not be exactly the same as fresh cabbage, but it is a convenient pantry ingredient for many recipes.

How to Preserve Cabbage Through Fermentation

Fermenting cabbage into sauerkraut is another excellent preservation method.

Sauerkraut has a distinctive tangy flavor and can be served as a side dish or added to sandwiches and other meals.

Read my complete tutorial, Fermenting Cabbage into Sauerkraut the Easy Way, for the process I use.

Always follow a tested fermentation recipe with the correct amount of salt. Do not reduce or guess at the required salt.

How to Freeze Cabbage

Freezing is a simple option when you have enough freezer space.

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Remove the outer leaves, wash the cabbage, and cut it into wedges, shreds, or pieces based on how you plan to use it.

Step 2: Blanch It

Blanch the cabbage in boiling water to help preserve its flavor, color, and quality.

Blanch shredded cabbage or small pieces for approximately 1½ minutes. Larger wedges will require approximately 3 minutes.

Step 3: Cool and Drain

Immediately move the cabbage into ice water.

Once it is completely cool, drain it thoroughly and pat away as much excess water as possible.

Step 4: Package and Freeze

Place the cabbage in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible, label and date each package, and place it in the freezer.

Frozen cabbage will become softer after thawing, so it is best used in cooked dishes rather than raw salads.

How to Keep Fresh Cabbage in Cold Storage

Fresh cabbage should be stored in a cold, humid environment—not on an ordinary pantry shelf.

Keep unwashed heads of cabbage in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer. Remove any loose or damaged outer leaves before storage, but leave the firm protective leaves in place.

Check the cabbage regularly and use it before it begins to spoil.

A traditional root cellar may also work when the temperature and humidity are appropriate, but most people will find refrigerator storage easier and more reliable.

Which Cabbage-Preservation Method Is Best?

The best method depends on how you plan to use the cabbage.

• Dehydrate it for compact pantry storage and cooked meals.
• Ferment it when you want homemade sauerkraut.
• Freeze it for soups, casseroles, and other cooked dishes.
• Refrigerate it when you plan to use the fresh cabbage relatively soon.

You do not have to choose only one. I often preserve food in several ways so I have more options when preparing meals.

Build a Pantry That Works for Your Family

Preserving seasonal foods is one way to build a pantry that saves money, reduces waste, and makes mealtime easier.

My Build a Better Pantry ebook walks you through stocking and organizing a useful pantry without trying to purchase everything at once.

Get Build a Better Pantry

How Will You Preserve Your Cabbage?

Dehydrating, fermenting, freezing, and cold storage all provide useful ways to keep cabbage from going to waste.

Which method will you use?

Leave a comment and tell me how you preserve cabbage for your family.

The blanching and drying guidance above was checked against current university Extension recommendations: cabbage should be cut into thin strips, briefly blanched, and dried until brittle. Drying time varies by appliance and conditions. Utah State University Extension, National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Build a Better Pantry—One Simple Step at a Time

Ready to build a pantry that saves you money, reduces food waste, and makes mealtime easier? Build a Better Pantry gives you practical steps and helpful printables to create a well-stocked pantry that works for your family—without buying everything at once.

Build Your Better Pantry