Napa Cabbage Storage and Prep (2024)

FAQs

How to prep and store napa cabbage? ›

I washed and chopped up the outer leaves, I'll use those in a stir fry tonight. The outer leaves are a little tougher than the inside head. You can store the head of the Napa cabbage wrapped in an airtight container or plastic in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Cabbage is best stored whole and unrinsed until you're ready to use it. Cutting into it will cause it to lose vitamin C, which will lead to faster spoilage. To store a head of cabbage, place it in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge. A head of cabbage will last up two months when stored this way.

Stored unwashed in the refrigerator, Napa is fresh up to a week. Wrapping in plastic wrap can help prevent wilting, and if a recipe calls for just part of a head, I would suggest just plucking the leaves from the outer layer instead of using a knife to chop it all at once.

Can I Freeze Cabbage Raw? Although you can technically freeze cabbage raw, it's best to blanch it first before freezing it. In other words, you should boil the cabbage in hot water for a very short amount of time (around one minute) before placing it in the freezer.

Cleaning and cooking.

Before using, discard any damaged or wilted outer leaves. Looser varieties, such as napa and bok choy, should also be rinsed to get rid of any dirt between leaves.

Keep the white and the green parts separated. Cook the white part first before adding the greens, for the perfect cooked texture. (Optional) You can further slice or dice the white or green parts into smaller pieces, for example, long thin strips for making salad and coleslaw, or a small dice for dumpling filling.

How long is napa cabbage good for in the fridge? Wrapped in plastic, a napa cabbage head can keep for as long as two weeks. Sliced napa, stored in an airtight container, will stay fresh for at least three days. Raw napa keeps in the freezer for one to two months.

Fresh napa cabbage heads are oblong and wrapped in ruffled, bright green leaves with bright white ribs. The head should feel heavy for its size, and it should give off a pleasant, clean fragrance.

Ready to harvest more quickly than regular cabbage, in 70 to 90 days when planted from seed or 60 to 70 days when using transplants. Harvest when the heads feel firm when squeezed. Don't judge simply by size. If a head splits, harvest as quickly as possible to prevent disease and pests.

How to tell if Napa cabbage is bad. You'll know Napa cabbage is bad if you see black spots on it. In that case, throw it away immediately (or avoid purchasing it if you're at the grocery store). However, if you see black spots on the outer leaves, you can just remove them and throw them away.

How to keep napa cabbage fresh? ›

A whole head of Napa cabbage will keep for a week or longer when stored unwashed in the fridge and sealed in plastic.

The outer leaves of the cabbage head work to protect the inner and more tender leaves, especially helping with moisture retention. Do not wash cabbage until you are ready to use it. Refrain from washing before storing. Cabbage can store well in a hydrator drawer.

If you notice wilting, holes, brown spots, and dried out tips, those are clear indicators that the cabbage has spoiled. Here are a few ways to store and preserve the freshness of cabbage, whether it's whole, cut or shredded.

Keep the white and the green parts separated. Cook the white part first before adding the greens, for the perfect cooked texture. (Optional) You can further slice or dice the white or green parts into smaller pieces, for example, long thin strips for making salad and coleslaw, or a small dice for dumpling filling.