All About Purple cabbage
Your complete guide to purple cabbage - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Purple cabbage Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for purple cabbage in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
whole in fridge2-4 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Outer leaves are significantly wilted, discolored (yellowing, browning, or dark spots), soft or mushy spots, visible mold, or a strong, unpleasant sulfurous odor.
How to Check
Visually inspect the outer leaves for discoloration or mold. Gently squeeze the head; it should feel firm and heavy for its size. If it feels squishy or light, it's likely starting to spoil. Smell for any off-odors, which typically indicate bacterial growth.
Storage Tips
Store the whole head unwashed in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Avoid storing it in an airtight bag, as this can trap moisture and accelerate spoilage. A loose plastic bag or no bag is best.
cut/shredded in fridge3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Leaves are significantly wilted, edges are browning or darkening, developing a slimy texture, a strong sour or pungent smell, or visible mold.
How to Check
Visually check for discoloration, especially on the cut edges, and any sliminess. Touch the cabbage; if it feels excessively soft or slimy, it's past its prime. Perform a smell test; a sour or strong 'cabbagey' odor (beyond its natural smell) indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store cut or shredded cabbage in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag. Adding a paper towel to absorb excess moisture can help extend its freshness slightly. Keep it in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
cooked in fridge3-4 days
Signs of Spoilage
Off-odors (sour, yeasty, or otherwise unpleasant), visible mold, an unusually slimy texture, or significant discoloration (darkening or unusual color changes).
How to Check
The most reliable indicator is smell; if it smells sour, fermented, or otherwise 'off', discard it. Look for any fuzzy mold growth. Check the texture; cooked cabbage should not be slimy or excessively mushy (unless that was its original cooked texture).
Storage Tips
Cool cooked cabbage quickly before refrigerating (within 2 hours). Store it in a clean, airtight container to prevent contamination and absorb odors from other foods.
frozen8-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, discolored spots, typically grey or brown), large ice crystals indicating thawing and refreezing, or an off-smell and extremely mushy texture after thawing (beyond the expected softness of thawed vegetables).
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive freezer burn. While some texture change is normal after freezing, if it's completely disintegrated or has a very strong off-smell upon thawing, it's best to discard it. Taste a small piece after cooking if unsure (texture will be softer than fresh).
Storage Tips
For best quality, blanch purple cabbage before freezing (boil for 2-3 minutes, then immediately cool in ice water). Dry thoroughly, then pack in freezer bags or airtight containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date.