Can you freeze shredded cabbage for coleslaw?

In the following guide we will discuss the question, “can you freeze shredded cabbage for coleslaw?” We will discuss the proper ways to store cabbage. We will get to know the nutritional value and health benefits of eating coleslaw. We will also discuss the health concerns of eating frozen cabbage.

Can you freeze shredded cabbage for coleslaw?

Yes, you can freeze shredded cabbage for coleslaw but when you put it in the cabbage it will change its taste and texture. Frozen cabbage is not a good choice for your coleslaw because freezing removes the freshness and crunch of your cabbage.

Your cabbage will be soggy and it will ruin the taste of coleslaw. 

What are the tips to store shredded cabbage in the freezer?

You can store shredded cabbage in the freezer this will increase the shelf life of the cabbage. Your cabbage can be stored for up to months in the freezer and it will not go bad. Following are some tips to store cabbage in the freezer.

  • First, bring good quality cabbage that is fresh.
  • Look for the fungal growth and any other spoilage signs on the cabbage.
  • Wash the cabbage carefully and remove the upper layer of the cabbage.
  • Take a sharp knife and cut the cabbage into fine shreds. Cut it into thin slices.
  • Do not forget to wash the cabbage again after cutting.
  • If you want to freeze it for the coleslaw you can make portion sizes of it.
  • After making the portion sizes, carefully transfer each portion size to a separate ziplock bag.
  • You can also store your cabbage in air-tight boxes.
  • Carefully remove all the air from ziploc bags after putting cabbage in the bag.
  • When you are ready to put it in your coleslaw you can defrost it in the refrigerator.
  • Do not thaw it in the microwave; it will ruin the texture of the cabbage.

How to make a coleslaw?

Coleslaw is a very popular side dish that is served with burgers and it is popular all over the world. Coleslaw contains very few ingredients and it has a simple recipe.

Ingredients 

  • Cabbage
     
  • Carrot
  • Mayonnaise
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • pepper

Method 

  • Cut your vegetables, carrot, and cabbage in a bowl and wash them properly.
  • Make the dressing separate. Add mayonnaise sugar, salt, and pepper to a bowl and combine them.
  • Mayonnaise is the main base ingredient for the dressing.
  • Sugar helps to sweeten the salad a little bit. Salt and black pepper are added to spice up the coleslaw a little bit.

What are the benefits of freezing cabbage?

Following are the benefits of freezing cabbage:

  • If your cabbage is getting spoiled and it usually spoils when kept at room temperature for a long time, then freezing is the best option and by doing this you are reducing food waste.
  • The most important benefit for any busy mother is you can save your meal preparation time by chopping and freezing your cabbage for coleslaw already.
  • Freezing your cabbage reduces the risk of bacterial and mould growth on garlic which are the major reasons for spoilage.
  • Mould production can cause the off smell and alters the taste of cabbage. It is one of the major reasons for spoilage. Freezing can increase the shelf life of cabbage for upto 6 months.

What are the health benefits of eating coleslaw?

Following are the health benefits of eating coleslaw:

  • Coleslaw is loaded with cabbage and carrots and these vegetables are a good source of several vitamins and minerals. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A which helps to improve vision.
  • Cabbage is also a good source of vitamin C and vitamin C acts as an antioxidant in the body. It also helps in the formation of collagen protein. This protein helps in the formation of the skin. It also helps in the absorption of iron in the human body.

Due to the antioxidant properties of vitamin C, it helps in the prevention of cancer and many other metabolic disorders.

  • Cabbage and carrots both are good sources of fibres. These fibres help in digestion and also increase the number of beneficial bacteria present in the gut.

What are the harms of eating frozen cabbage?

Eating frozen cabbage can have the following downsides:

  • Raw vegetables might be contaminated with certain pathogens that cause food-borne illnesses. They may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, stomachache, etc. so it is always necessary to wash your vegetables properly before eating them.
  • Raw cabbage might be cross-contaminated or it can cross-contaminate your food present in the freezer resulting in spoiling that food item. Always cover your food items in the freezer and never put them in the freezer without covering them.
  • Raw cabbage might contain microbes that can result in the spoilage of cabbage and these microbes can also alter human health.

Conclusion 

In the above guide we discussed the question, “can you freeze shredded cabbage for coleslaw?” We discussed the proper ways to store cabbage. We got to know the nutritional value and health benefits of eating coleslaw. We also discussed the health concerns of eating frozen cabbage.

References 

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
https://www.recipelion.com/Cooking-Tips/Can-You-Freeze-Shredded-Cabbage-for-Coleslaw