How to Store Cabbage
Firm white and red winter cabbages are among the few leafy crops that can be stored after harvest. Choose dense heads with undamaged outer leaves and harvest on a dry day. Savoy and other hardy winter cabbages are generally better left standing outside, with leaves picked or whole plants cut as needed.
Best storage conditions
Store heads at 0 to 4 degrees C in a dark, cool, frost-free place with high humidity and steady air circulation. A cool shed, garage, cellar or unheated porch may work, provided it does not become damp and stagnant. Keep cabbages off a concrete floor and away from fruit, which can shorten their keeping quality. Do not allow heads to freeze repeatedly or sit in condensation.
How long it keeps
Properly stored white or red winter cabbages may keep for 2 to 4 months, depending on variety and maturity. Savoys normally hold better outdoors than indoors and can be used through winter. Check stored heads every few days at first, then weekly, removing loose or spoiled outer leaves promptly.
Storage methods
Harvest with a short stem and several clean wrapper leaves left in place. Place heads separately on slatted shelves or apple racks in a cool airy shed, turning them occasionally so damp does not collect beneath. Where space is limited, hang individual heads in net bags from a beam, ensuring they do not touch. Do not stack cabbages tightly in deep boxes. For a traditional approach, lift plants with roots attached and heel them into barely moist soil or sand in a sheltered, frost-free place. Store only sound, dry heads and discard any with soft patches or mould.
Preserving
Cabbage freezes best when shredded, blanched, cooled and dried before packing into a chest freezer. It can be made into sauerkraut or kimchi-style ferments using a reliable recipe, or shredded for pickles and chutney. Red cabbage is especially useful for spiced pickles. Follow a trusted recipe for any bottled or preserved cabbage preparation, and freeze cooked braised cabbage in meal-sized portions.
Tips
Harvest storage varieties after they have firmed fully, rather than trying to keep loose summer heads. Leave outer leaves on until use because they protect the heart. Keep stored cabbages spaced apart so air can circulate. If an outside cabbage is split after heavy rain, use it first rather than attempting long storage.
Storing Cabbage: frequently asked questions
How do I store cabbage?
Harvest with a short stem and several clean wrapper leaves left in place.
How long does cabbage keep in storage?
Properly stored white or red winter cabbages may keep for 2 to 4 months, depending on variety and maturity.
What are the best conditions for storing cabbage?
Store heads at 0 to 4 degrees C in a dark, cool, frost-free place with high humidity and steady air circulation.
Store only sound, dry produce and check regularly. For bottling and preserving, follow a trusted recipe. Page updated 18 Sep 2026.