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Before you cook that cabbage, it’s a good idea to wash it beforehand to remove any unwanted dirt, bugs, or pesticides. Keep reading for a quick guide to cleaning cabbage , plus tips on how to store it and use it in delicious recipes !
How do you wash cabbage?
- Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage.
- Rinse the cabbage head under cold water and drain.
- Cut into quarters or wedges and inspect for dirt or pests.
- Rinse the cabbage wedges a second time and pat dry.
- Optional: Soak the wedges in a diluted vinegar solution to kill bacteria and rinse.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
How to Wash Cabbage
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1Remove the cabbage head’s outer leaves. These leaves are often tough, wilted, or damaged. Take a few leaves off until you are satisfied with the cabbage head’s appearance; the darkest green leaves are the ones you want to remove. The cabbage head should be an overall light green or whitish-green color if using green cabbage. [1] X Research source
- Wait until you’re ready to cook or prepare your cabbage before cleaning it. Washing cabbage too early can add unwanted moisture and cause the leaves to wilt.
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Rinse the cabbage head under cold water and drain. Hold the cabbage head under cool running water and rinse it while gently running your hand over it. It’s not necessary to scrub the cabbage at this stage, because you’re going to wash it a second time after cutting it up. Once rinsed, let the cabbage head dry in a colander or on a clean, dry towel. [2] X Research source
- Some people like to core the cabbage before rinsing it, but this can be difficult. If you need sliced or shredded cabbage, wait until after you cut it up and rinse it a second time to cut out the core completely.
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3Cut the cabbage into quarters or wedges. Start by slicing the cabbage in half down the center. Then, cut the cabbage into quarters or wedges. Avoid slicing the wedges too thin before you’re finished washing the cabbage. [3] X Research source
- If you prefer, once you cut the cabbage into quarters or wedges, slowly slice out most of the core on each piece. Don’t remove the entire core, because the cabbage will fall apart; the core is the one thing holding all of the leaves together.
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4Inspect the wedges for pests or dirt, then rinse a second time. Look within the leaves (especially the inner leaves) for any bugs, pests, or dirt caught between the folds. If you find any remaining pests or dirt, wash the cabbage wedges again or throw the affected leaves away. [4] X Research source Place your cabbage wedges underneath running water and use your hands or a vegetable scrubber to gently wash the cabbage. Scrub wherever you notice dirt or anything on the cabbage that needs cleaning; it’s not necessary to scrub the entire cabbage head.
- Don’t forget to clean the inside leaves as well. Sometimes dirt can be hidden deep within cabbage leaves, so be thorough. When you’re finished, pat the cabbage wedges dry with a paper towel. [5] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
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Soak the cabbage wedges in a vinegar or saltwater solution (optional). Add half a cup (118 mL) of distilled white vinegar per cup (237 mL) of water to a bowl (or, add 1 tablespoon (18 g) of salt to a bowl of water). Place your cabbage wedges in the vinegar water or saltwater solution and allow them to soak for 5-15 minutes. Then, rinse the cabbage wedges in cold water and blot dry with clean paper towels. [6] X Research source- Vinegar kills some types of bacteria and helps kill mold and mildew that could have grown on the cabbage. [7] X Research source
- Avoid using cleaning detergents like dish soap with added scents, as they can add an unwanted taste to or contaminate the cabbage. [8] X Research source
- Baking soda method: You can also soak your cabbage wedges (along with other vegetables or fruits) in a baking soda solution . Just add 1 teaspoon (5 g) of baking soda to 2 cups (473 mL) of cold water. Soak the wedges for 10-15 minutes. Then, rinse and dry them as before. [9] X Research source
- Once your cleaned cabbage is dry, you can shred, chop, or slice it as desired. Before doing so, remove any leftover part of the core in each wedge or piece of cabbage.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionI picked a head of cabbage from my garden, doused it with vinegar, and while I was rinsing it off, it split in half. Why would this happen?CaeiiaTop AnswererYou might have handled it roughly. If there are rotting/black parts, that's a reason, too.
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QuestionDo I leave the large outside leaves on the cabbage to cook?CaeiiaTop AnswererIf they aren't too dirty, browned, ripped up, or spotted, yes.
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QuestionDo I separate each cabbage leaf?CaeiiaTop AnswererYou don't have to. Just chop it up to use!
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Tips
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for vegetables and raw meat.
- Always wash your hands before handling cabbage or any other food.
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References
- ↑ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/Guide+to+Washing+Fresh+Produce508.pdf
- ↑ https://foodsmartcolorado.colostate.edu/food-safety/emergency-resources/how-to-use-series/how-to-use-cabbage/
- ↑ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/Guide+to+Washing+Fresh+Produce508.pdf
- ↑ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/Guide+to+Washing+Fresh+Produce508.pdf
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/7-tips-cleaning-fruits-vegetables
- ↑ https://youtu.be/LbInqGEdKsU?si=xq-Ypf46OsJ77nxp&t=33
- ↑ https://foodsmartcolorado.colostate.edu/food-safety/emergency-resources/how-to-use-series/how-to-use-cabbage/
- ↑ https://www.unlockfood.ca/en/Articles/Cooking-And-Food/Vegetables-and-Fruit/Everyday-tips-for-washing-vegetables-and-fruit.aspx
- ↑ https://foodrevolution.org/blog/how-to-wash-vegetables-fruits/
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