Freezing vegetables is a popular way to stock up or extend their shelf life. Chinese cabbage is also good for this. We'll show you the best way to freeze Chinese cabbage and what you need to keep in mind.
Is Chinese cabbage suitable for freezing?
Chinese cabbage, like many vegetables, isvery suitable for freezing. Especially when large quantities of Chinese cabbage need to be preserved for a longer period of time, freezing is the best option and is preferable to storing the raw vegetable.
How to prepare Chinese cabbage for freezing?
After cutting the head of cabbage in half and removing the small stalk, the Chinese cabbage is thoroughlywashedto remove any remaining soil. Then the vegetables are cut intobite-sized pieces. The Chinese cabbage is then blanched in a pot of boiling water for about two minutesand then quenched in a bowl of ice water. Any remaining water should be dabbed with a fresh tea towel after draining to prevent ice crystals from forming when freezing.
How is the Chinese cabbage packaged for freezing?
To package the blanched Chinese cabbage, special plasticfreezer-safe canscan be used, which are also used to freeze other vegetables, meat, etc. It is important to make sure that the frozen food is packed in an airtight container to avoid the possible spread of bacteria.
As an alternative to the cans,freezer bagscan also be used. To seal them airtight, it is best to use a vacuum sealer. Chinese cabbage is best frozenin portions as needed.
How long does frozen Chinese cabbage last?
At the usual freezer temperatures of -18 °C, Chinese cabbage can be frozenup to six months. There is no need to fear any loss of quality during this time.
Can you freeze Chinese cabbage raw?
As an alternative to blanched Chinese cabbageThe vegetable can also be frozen raw However, we do not recommend this option as the Chinese cabbage loses some of its aromatic taste. Since raw frozen Chinese cabbage, like the blanched vegetables, is no longer as crunchy as fresh produce after thawing, it is no longer suitable for raw consumption but should always be used for warm dishes.
How is frozen Chinese cabbage best thawed?
For defrosting, agentleprocedure is recommended: It is best to thaw frozen Chinese cabbage - like all vegetables -overnight in the refrigeratoron. When thawing at room temperature, the defrost water could quickly form harmful bacteria. Instead of defrosting the frozen Chinese cabbage, you can add it directly to the pot or pan while cooking.
Tip
Vitamins and nutrients are retained
If Chinese cabbage is stored in the refrigerator or in a cool basement, its valuable ingredients are gradually broken down. However, when frozen, they are preserved as best as possible. However, it is important to always freeze the vegetables as fresh as possible.
