Cabbage

Cabbage is one of the most underrated vegetables, yet it’s packed with nutrients and incredibly versatile. It’s a cruciferous vegetable, like broccoli and cauliflower, but stands out for its high Vitamin C and K content. Cabbage is a staple in soups, salads, stir-fries, and even classic dishes like cabbage rolls.

Nutrition

One cup of shredded cabbage (~90 g / 3 oz) contains:

✓ 70% of the RDA for Vitamin C
✓ 75% of the RDA for Vitamin K
✓ 2 g of fiber while being very low in calories

It’s also rich in antioxidants and contains compounds that support gut health and may help reduce inflammation.

Health Benefits

Cabbage, like other cruciferous vegetables, contains glucosinolates, which can help the body detoxify and may have cancer-fighting properties. It is also excellent for digestion and gut health, thanks to its high fiber content.

Additionally, red cabbage contains anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that support heart health and reduce inflammation.

How to Prepare

Cabbage is often sold as a whole head, which can feel overwhelming to use up. To make the most of it:

For salads & stir-fries: Cut thin slices from the side and use them as needed.
For soups & stews: Chop a portion and store the rest.
For cabbage rolls: Remove and freeze the top leaves (see below for a storage hack).

Storage

In the fridge: Store a whole cabbage as is in the crisper drawer—it lasts 2–3 weeks.
If cut: Wrap in a damp paper towel and store in an airtight container. Use within 5–7 days.

Can You Freeze Cabbage?

Yes, but freezing whole or chopped cabbage requires blanching. If you want to freeze it, it’s best to do so as shredded cabbage for soups and stir-fries or whole leaves for cabbage rolls.

Hack: Frozen Cabbage Leaves for Cabbage Rolls
If you’ve ever made cabbage rolls, you know how tricky it can be to steam or boil the leaves for wrapping. Here’s a simple hack:

1. Remove the outer leaves.
2. Place them in a freezer bag and freeze.
3. When ready to use, defrost—they’ll be soft and pliable, just like steamed cabbage!
   
   Frozen cabbage leaves last up to 4 months, making meal prep easier and reducing waste.

What Do We Use?

At DAREBEETS, we keep fresh cabbage on hand and freeze outer leaves for later use. Whether it’s for a quick salad or a hearty stew, cabbage is a simple, nutrient-rich staple that should never be overlooked.