Have you ever bought salad mix and are wondering how to tell if shredded cabbage is bad? Read on for signs it is no longer good and ways to keep your cabbage crisp and delicious!
I recently bought a bag of pre-packaged salad mix. I was so preoccupied with the flavor choices that it wasn’t until I got home that I really noticed it. And It looked…yuck.
The cabbage was turning grey! I was so excited by my healthy dinner choice that I didn’t even consider the cabbage might be past its prime.
Which left me wondering, how to tell if shredded cabbage is bad? Would I get sick eating this unappetizing vegetable?
Luckily, it is easy to tell if shredded cabbage has spoiled. The texture will change from fresh and crisp to soggy and wet. Additionally, the leaves will start to shrivel and may take on a grey or black color along the cut edges. If there is any excess moisture, this can lead to a funky smell or mold.
In this post, you will learn how to tell if shredded cabbage is bad.
SIGNS SHREDDED CABBAGE IS BAD
Cabbages are cruciferous vegetables, which are high in vitamins, fiber, and phytonutrients (which help keep cancer at bay). They also have a low water content, which helps with a long shelf life.
However, like all fresh food, cabbage does have an expiry date and will spoil. There are some simple telltale signs of spoilage to tell if raw cabbage is bad.
SMELL
This can be a bit tricky since cabbage has a naturally funky kind of smell. A fresh head of cabbage will have a very faint smell. On the other hand, if you open a bag of shredded cabbage and it slaps you in the face, this is a sign it is past the expiration date.
TASTE
Cabbage has a faint, sweet taste when fresh. Old cabbage will lose its natural sweetness and develop a funky, bitter taste. Be sure to taste a small amount of pre-shredded cabbage beforehand. You don’t want to make coleslaw for a family bbq only to find out the cabbage is off!
TEXTURE
Fresh cabbage has a wonderful snap and crispy texture. Though low in water, cabbage actually becomes soggy and mushy as it gets older. If the cabbage has lost its signature crunch, then it is no longer good.
APPEARANCE
Shredded cabbage is very easy to identify if it is spoiled. Firstly, the slices will become shriveled and dried out. Next, the color will become dull with a grey or black tint on the edges. Fresh cabbage has bright leaves, that are either green, purple, or white (depending on the variety). This is an easy way to tell that the leafy vegetable is no longer good.
MOISTURE
Don’t be like me- always check a bag of shredded cabbage before purchasing. If the vegetables look wet, chances are it has already started to wilt or become slimy. A little condensation is ok, but if there is a small puddle in the bag, put it back on the shelf.
MOLD
Mold is the most obvious sign of spoilage. If your bag of shredded produce has any mold growing inside, this can lead to food poisoning. Toss immediately!
Remember- when in doubt, toss it out. I hate wasting food as much as anyone. However, it is better to be safe than sick.
HOW TO KEEP SHREDDED CABBAGE FRESH
Once you open a bag of shredded cabbage, you will want to keep the vegetable as fresh as possible. The following tips are a great way to guarantee maximum freshness.
- Consume within 5-7 days.
- Once you open the bag, store cabbage in an airtight container or in freezer bags. The plastic bag will cause the cabbage to dry out.
- If there is any moisture, dry the vegetables on a paper towel. Excess water is one of the easiest ways cabbage can become slimy and produce a strong odor.
- Keep it in the crisper drawer or in the coldest part of your fridge.
THE BEST WAY TO MAKE FRESH SHREDDED CABBAGE
I know it is much easier and more convenient to buy pre-shredded cabbage. But the best way to extend the shelf life of cabbage is to buy the cabbage whole.
Not only will the vegetable be fresher and crisper, but you will also get a lot more bang for your buck. Think you can’t use an entire cabbage? This versatile vegetable is delicious in coleslaw, casserole, or you could make cabbage soup.
It is fairly simple to shred yourself with a food processor. You can also use a box grater if you don’t have a food processor or one of the other alternatives listed in this post.
Here are a few tips for picking a great fresh cabbage.
- Pick a whole cabbage that has minimal blemishes on the outer leaves.
- Pick a firm cabbage- if it is slightly squishy, this is a sign it has already started to go bad.
- Avoid dropping or banging the cabbage head, as bruising can cause it to form a mushy texture quicker.
- Do not rinse with water until you are ready to use. This will keep the cabbage leaves from wilting.
- Store whole cabbage at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the fridge for up to a month.
- If there are any black spots on the surface of the cabbage, remove the leaves until they’re gone.
The best tip for keeping cabbage fresh? Do not cut it until you need it. If left whole, a cabbage will last for a few weeks.
USING A FOOD PROCESSOR
When possible, I try to shred my own cabbage. This option is often cheaper, as a head of cabbage often costs the same amount as a pre-shredded bag. You also get a lot more food when buying a head of cabbage at the grocery store. Bags typically only have 4 cups of cabbage.
Using a food processor is the easiest way to make fresh shredded cabbage, and will take only a few minutes.
- Remove outer leaves with any cuts or blemishes. It is normal to take 2-3 layers of leaves off. Rinse under cold water.
- Cut cabbage in half, then half again. You should have quarters. Remove the core of the cabbage wedges. Depending on your food processor, you may need to cut down the wedges again until they fit through the chute.
- Make sure you fit your food processor with the correct blade. Some will cut it into larger slices, which may be too large to use in coleslaw or a salad.
- Pass the cabbage through the tube to shred or slice. It should only take a few seconds to shred. Repeat as needed.
- Store produce in an airtight container for up to a week.
USING A BOX GRATER
As much as I love my food processor, it is large and clunky. TBH, sometimes I’m too lazy to set it up. Box graters are light and convenient. If you don’t mind a little manual labor, this is a great way to make fresh shredded cabbage.
- Remove outer leaves with any cuts or blemishes. It is normal to take 2-3 layers of leaves off. Rinse under cold water.
- Cut cabbage in half, then half again. You should have quarters. Do not remove the core of the cabbage wedges, as this will help hold the cabbage together while you shred.
- Using the large side of the box grater, slowly run the cabbage against the grater. Pass it through a few times to make sure you like the thin slices. If not, choose a different side of the box grater.
- Store produce in an airtight container for up to a week.
Remember to go slow! Box graters are sharp and it is very easy to cut your fingers. Food can easily snag and get caught, so just go slow to avoid injury.
RECOMMENDED POSTS
Cabbage is a powerhouse vegetable, filled with nutritional value. Full of vitamin K, it also has a high vitamin C content. If you’re a cabbage lover, try these recipes!
Cheesy cabbage casserole: Cheesy and delicious, this comforting recipe is like mac and cheese (just without the mac!).
FAQ
HOW LONG DOES BAGGED CABBAGE LAST IN THE FRIDGE?
Pre-shredded bagged cabbage should last up to 7 days in the fridge. Make sure to store in air-tight containers to reduce excess moisture.
CAN YOU EAT SHREDDED CABBAGE THAT HAS TURNED BROWN?
There are many color varieties of cabbage, such as red cabbage, green cabbage, and purple cabbage. However, brown cabbage is not natural. If your cabbage has turned brown, it is best to throw it out and start fresh.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF CUT CABBAGE IS BAD?
Cut cabbage will start to change color to brown or grey and will start to shrivel. Additionally, the cabbage will become soggy.
If you have cabbage wedges that are still good but the edges look dry, cut the edges of the cabbage. This will remove any of the dried-out cabbage.
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