Unusual, but convenient: is it possible to freeze stewed cabbage for future use?

Stewed cabbage is a tasty and healthy dish. It is a source of B vitamins, microelements and dietary fiber.

In order to save time, many housewives prepare it for future use and store it in the freezer. This is very convenient, since you always have a ready-made side dish at hand.

Read the article about whether it is possible to freeze stewed cabbage and how this will affect its taste.

Pros of freezing food

You can freeze stewed cabbage. Refrigeration of the finished product does not affect its smell, taste or benefits.

Against, Freezing has many advantages, including:

• shelf life extension;
• ready-made side dish or filling for pies is always at hand;
• the product defrosts quickly.

In order for the cabbage to regain its previous consistency after freezing, you just need to put it in a frying pan and turn on low heat. The dish will gradually thaw and will not differ from the original product.

How to freeze correctly?

Freeze stewed cabbage It’s not difficult if you follow the following instructions:

1. Chop and simmer the product until fully cooked. In addition to the main ingredient, the dish may include onions, tomatoes and carrots. It is not recommended to freeze cabbage stewed with meat.
2. The juice formed during the cooking process must be drained.
3. Cool the dish to room temperature.
4. Pack the product into containers prepared in advance, remove excess air and close the container.
5. Place the cabbage in the freezer on the top shelf.

After 2-3 hours, the product can be transferred to the lower compartments of the freezer.

In the oven, the product loses a minimum of vitamins and does not gain extra calories, as when stewing in a cauldron or in a frying pan. Prepare the dish for no longer than 40 minutes.

For storage in the freezer, you can use the following containers:

1. Thick plastic bag. The finished product is placed in it, the air is expelled and tied tightly. You shouldn't stuff it. In one bag put the amount of cabbage that is needed for 1 time.
2. Plastic container with lid. To keep as little air as possible in it, it is recommended to fill it completely. It is more convenient to use small containers up to 300 g.
3. Vacuum bags. It must be filled 2/3 full. The air is pumped out with a special device or pump, after which the bag valve is quickly closed.

The use of vacuum bags allows you to save useful space in the freezer, since after removing the air, the volume of their contents is reduced by 60-70%.

Shelf life in the freezer

If frozen, the dish can be stored for up to six months.. If you just put it in the refrigerator, then after 3 days the product will spoil.

The fact is that cabbage left in the refrigerator for a day or more loses up to 90% of vitamin C. Its only value will be the presence of dietary fiber.

If the product has not been used within six months after freezing, it must be disposed of.This type of cabbage is not suitable for food.

Helpful information

Tips to take note:

1. If the dish was prepared in large quantities, then it needs to be frozen in portions. When the need arises, the required amount of product is taken out of the freezer.
2. It is recommended to use as little oil as possible during cooking. Let the cabbage stew in its own juice. This will reduce the calorie content of the dish and the amount of liquid in it.
3. To defrost, you can use a microwave and warm water.
4. If you plan to store cabbage for a long time, you need to expel excess air from the container. The less it is, the better the product is frozen.
5. The container must be tightly closed. The product has a strong odor that can spread throughout the entire freezer.
6. You can improve the taste of defrosted cabbage by adding a little vinegar and sugar when heating. This will give the dish a sweet and sour taste.

You will find all the most important and useful information about storing cabbage. Here.

Conclusion

You can definitely freeze stewed cabbage. After such treatment, it will not lose its taste properties, will not be bitter or sour.

The finished dish is stored in the freezer in plastic bags or containers. To get a tasty and satisfying side dish for lunch or dinner, just spend a few minutes removing it from the refrigerator and defrosting it.