Cabbage is a hardy vegetable that can usually last quite a while in the fridge. However, like any food, cooked cabbage has a limited shelf life and can go bad after a certain point. Determining if your cooked cabbage has spoiled can prevent foodborne illness. Here are some tips on how to tell if cooked cabbage has gone bad.
Check The Expiration Date
If your cooked cabbage is store-bought or from a restaurant, check the expiration or use-by date on the packaging. This will give you an idea of how long the prepared cabbage should last refrigerated. Any cooked cabbage that is past the expiration date should be discarded.
Give It A Sniff Test
Your nose often knows when food has gone south. Give your cooked cabbage a big whiff and trust your senses. Fresh cooked cabbage has a mild, earthy, slightly sweet smell. Rotten cabbage gives off a noticeably sour, sulfurous odor, similar to rotten eggs.
Examine The Color
The color of cooked cabbage can also indicate freshness. When properly stored in the fridge, cooked cabbage retains its bright green or purple hue, depending on the variety. As it starts decomposing, cooked cabbage will become faded, drab or yellowish in color.
Check The Texture
Fresh cooked cabbage should be tender but still have some crunch. If your cooked cabbage has gotten slimy, stringy or mushy, it’s a sign that bacteria have started breaking it down. Toss it out immediately.
Look For Mold
Like many vegetables, cooked cabbage that has gone bad may develop mold. Check carefully along the edges and bottom of the container for any fuzzy white, green or black mold. Any mold at all means the cabbage needs to be discarded.
Mind The Leftovers
Cooked cabbage that has been refrigerated as leftovers has a shorter shelf life. Make sure to store leftovers in airtight containers and use within 3-4 days. The longer cooked cabbage sits, the quicker it will deteriorate.
When In Doubt, Throw It Out
If you are questioning the freshness of your cooked cabbage, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Cabbage that has overstayed its welcome in the fridge can harbor harmful bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli. Don’t risk food poisoning – toss cooked cabbage at the first signs of spoilage.
Proper Storage Extends Shelf Life
Storing cooked cabbage properly can help extend its shelf life and keep it fresher longer. Here are some storage tips for cooked cabbage:
- Let cooked cabbage cool completely before refrigerating.
- Store in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.
- Keep cooked cabbage in the fridge – do not leave it out at room temperature.
- Use within 3-5 days for optimum quality and safety.
Freeze For Later Use
Freezing is a great way to preserve cooked cabbage and make it last longer. Properly frozen, cooked cabbage can keep for 6-8 months in the freezer. To freeze:
- Cool cooked cabbage completely before freezing.
- Portion cabbage into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace.
- Squeeze out excess air and seal the containers.
- Label bags with contents and freeze date.
- Freeze cabbage for up to 8 months at 0°F or below.
How To Use Frozen Cabbage
Frozen cooked cabbage retains its texture and flavor quite well. It can be thawed and used in recipes or heated and served as a side. Here are some tips for using frozen cabbage:
- Thaw frozen cabbage overnight in the fridge before using.
- For quick thawing, place frozen cabbage in cold water for 1-2 hours.
- Cook thawed cabbage immediately; do not refreeze.
- Add thawed cabbage at the end of cooking soups, stews or stir fries.
- Microwave individual portions to heat through.
Try Cabbage Sooner Rather Than Later
For best flavor and texture, try to eat cooked cabbage within a few days of purchasing or preparing it. The longer cooked cabbage sits in the fridge, the more its texture, taste and nutritional value deteriorate. Aim to meal prep cabbage dishes that will be consumed within 3-5 days for optimum freshness.
Ways To Use Up Cabbage Quickly
Have a head of cabbage that needs using up? Here are some delicious ways to enjoy cooked cabbage before it goes bad:
- Cabbage soup or stew
- Stuffed cabbage rolls
- Cabbage fried rice
- Cabbage slaw or salad
- Cabbage pancakes or fritters
- Add to tacos or burritos
- Mix into egg or tuna salad
- Blend into smoothies
Summary
Checking for foul odors, mold, texture changes and expiration dates can help determine if cooked cabbage has spoiled. Proper refrigeration and freezing extends the shelf life of cooked cabbage significantly. Eat cabbage as soon as possible for best flavor and food safety.