How to Clean Cabbage: 3 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

FAQs

How do you remove germs from cabbage? ›

The right way to wash cabbage is by removing the upper two layers, cutting it finely and dipping it in water with some vinegar for a few minutes. Rinse the cabbage with clean water post this.

Wash the Cabbage and Remove the Outer Leaves

Run your head of cabbage under the kitchen tap, removing any dirt or grit by lightly scrubbing with your fingers or a cleaning brush. Remove the outer leaves of the head of cabbage, simply by pulling them off with your hands.

Clean with water.

Make sure to leave no space uncleaned. Also make sure not to miss cleaning the inside as well. Sometimes dirt can be hidden deep within so make sure to be thorough. When finished cleaning, pat down dry with a paper towel.

Wash it well in salt and water and leave in the water for half an hour. Then put it into a colander and shake all the water from it.

Remove the outer leaves from the heads and throw them away. Separate the leaves by hand or slice off the root of the lettuce head. Place the leaves in the sink and swirl the water with your hand. Soak the leaves for about 10 minutes, giving them a good swirl every few minutes.

If there are any signs of bugs or worms as cabbage can have, soak in salt water for 15 minutes. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt to enough water to submerge the cabbage. Chop as desired with a stainless steel knife.

Baking soda does help green vegetables retain color, but it causes undesirable color changes in red cabbage—it turned blue. The science can be distilled to this: Adding baking soda to cooking water makes it slightly alkaline, which stabilizes the green color of chlorophyll.

The US Food and Drug Administration, the US Department of Agriculture and other scientists agree: use a cold water soak with baking soda to effectively help remove dirt, chemical residue, and other unwanted materials from your fresh vegetables and fruits.

Cut cabbage in sections and wash under running water. If there are any signs of bugs or worms as cabbage can have, soak in salt water for 15 minutes. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt to enough water to submerge the cabbage.

After cutting your cabbage, put it in a bowl of water, then store the bowl in your fridge and let the cabbage soak until you're ready to use it. Drain and dry the soaked cabbage very well to avoid making your dishes watery or soggy, then enjoy your super fresh-tasting cabbage, whether you keep it raw or cook with it.

Does cabbage need to be washed before boiling? ›

BOILING: Wash and cut cabbage into quarters or large wedges. Add about 1/2 inch of water into a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Add cabbage and continue boling uncovered, until the pieces are tender, about 8 to 11 minutes. STEAMING: Cut the cabbage head into 4 wedges.