8 Tips to Help You Keep Fruits and Vegetables Fresh for Months

Cabbage

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Though a flexible and nutrient-dense vegetable, cabbage offers some special difficulties for home storage. With the appropriate temperature range between 32°F and 35°F (0°C and 1.7°C), cabbage storage conditions are rather particular. This limited temperature range helps the cabbage to slow down its respiration process, therefore increasing its shelf life and preserving its crisp texture and nutritional content. Without a root cellar or a separate refrigerator, reaching these perfect conditions at home can prove challenging. Still, you can keep cabbage reasonably well in a home environment with some proper preparation. First choose strong, thick heads of cabbage free of any injury or decay. Choose mature but not overripe heads if you are gathering your own cabbage. Proper cabbage preparation is crucial before storing. Start by getting any damaged or loose outside leaves taken off. Left on, these leaves are more likely to rot and can influence the remainder of the cabbage. Then, to get any dirt or trash from the cabbage, gently wipe it with a moist cloth. Steer clear of completely washing the cabbage since too much moisture could cause more rapid deterioration. Once washed, individually wrap every cabbage head in paper or plastic wrap. Two uses for this wrapping are to help the cabbage stay moist and keep it from drying out as well as to aid to conceal the strong scent that it can release throughout storage. Make sure you perforate plastic wrap slightly to let some air flow, which will assist stop condensation and mould development. Stow the wrapped cabbage in the crisper drawer if refrigerated. For cabbage storage, the more humid atmosphere the crisper offers is advantageous. Should you run out of space in your crisper, cabbage can be kept on a shelf; however, be advised that it may dry up more rapidly in the main refrigerator compartment. For those with a cool garage or basement, particularly in the colder months, these can provide substitute storage space. In these environments, to absorb extra moisture, arrange the wrapped cabbage in a perforated plastic bag or a paper-lined box. Make sure the storage space is dark; cabbage will rot more rapidly in light. Check your stored cabbage often; discard any that show evidence of deterioration. Normal little amounts of yellowing on the outer leaves can be simply removed before usage. To stop the whole head from spreading to other veggies, though, if you find any soft areas or strong, offensive smells, toss it. varying kinds of cabbage have varying storage times, though. Late-season varietals sometimes store better than early-season ones overall. While Savoy and Napa cabbages should be consumed more immediately, green and red cabbages usually keep well. Depending on the variety and storage conditions, these storage methods will keep cabbage fresh for several weeks to several months. Long after the producing season ends, this lets you savour this healthy vegetable in a range of meals, from crisp salads and slaws to substantial soups and stews.