How to Wash Cabbage for Coleslaw, Salads & More

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Plus, easy cabbage recipes and storage tips from pro chefs

Co-authored by Jerran Boyer and Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.

Last Updated: June 26, 2025 Fact Checked

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Washing Cabbage

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Do you have to wash it?

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Storing Cabbage

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Cooking Cabbage

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Q&A

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Tips

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.

Section 1 of 4:

How to Wash Cabbage

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1
Remove 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]
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- 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.
2
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]
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- 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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3
Cut 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]
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- 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.
4
Inspect 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]
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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]
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5
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]
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- Vinegar kills some types of bacteria and helps kill mold and mildew that could have grown on the cabbage.^{[7]
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- Avoid using cleaning detergents like dish soap with added scents, as they can add an unwanted taste to or contaminate the cabbage.^{[8]
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- 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]
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- 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.

Section 2 of 4:

Is it necessary to wash a head of cabbage?

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It’s not a good idea to eat unwashed cabbage, even if it’s been labeled as “pre-washed” or “ready-to-eat.” Cabbage is a leafy green that can easily hide dirt, small insects and worms, or even bacteria. Washing your cabbage thoroughly can help remove these potential contaminants and greatly lower the risk of possible foodborne illnesses.^{[10]
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Section 3 of 4:

How to Store Cabbage

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Wrap the cabbage in plastic and store it in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. According to professional chef Jerran Boyer, “fresh cabbage can be wrapped in paper towels, then stored in an airtight zip bag or container in the refrigerator.”^{[11]
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Jerran Boyer
Nutrition-Focused Professional Chef

Expert Interview} The cabbage will stay good for 2-3 weeks. The longer you let your cabbage sit, the greater the chance that its leaves will wilt and it will lose texture and possibly flavor.^{[12]
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- To freeze cabbage: Blanch the cabbage for 90 seconds in boiling water and then place it into an ice bath for 90 seconds. Drain it, wrap it in plastic and/or a freezer-safe plastic storage bag, and freeze the cabbage for up to 5-6 months.

Section 4 of 4:

How to Cook Cabbage

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“Cut up your cabbage into bite-sized pieces, only using the tender leaves (not the core),” instructs personal chef Jennifer Levasseur. “Sauté in oil, letting the leaves of the cabbage caramelize by not over-tossing or stirring; you want a nice golden brown color around the edges. Since there is water in the cabbage, the pan may splatter, so wear long sleeves or use an oil catcher if you’re concerned. Take a sample piece to taste to make sure the cabbage is nice and tender. Finish it with salt, pepper, and a little lemon, and it will be delicious!”^{[13]
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Jennifer Levasseur
Personal Chef

Expert Interview}
2
Cabbage can also be boiled, steamed, roasted, or braised. Here are some more delicious cabbage ideas to give you some kitchen inspiration:
- Boil cabbage as a side dish.
- Cook it in a cabbage vegetable soup with ingredients like asparagus, carrots, or beetroots.
- Roast cabbage by cutting it into wedges, brushing it with oil, and adding your favorite herbs and spices. Roast it on a baking sheet in a 400 °F (204 °C) oven for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Steam cabbage in a covered steamer basket over boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Braise cabbage in a pot with oil, garlic, onion, water, and seasonings for about 45 minutes.^{[14]
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I 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?

Caeiia

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You might have handled it roughly. If there are rotting/black parts, that's a reason, too.

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Do I leave the large outside leaves on the cabbage to cook?

Caeiia

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If they aren't too dirty, browned, ripped up, or spotted, yes.

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Do I separate each cabbage leaf?

Caeiia

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You don't have to. Just chop it up to use!

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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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