How to Dehydrate Cabbage for Long-Term Storage & Easy Meals

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Susan Gast | Author and blogger at Bored Boomers, Beesville Books, A New Sober You and Easy Food Dehydrating

Learning how to dehydrate cabbage is a smart way to preserve this versatile vegetable for long-term storage and easy meal prep for St. Patrick's Day fun.

Cabbage might not be the first vegetable that comes to mind for dehydrating, but itā€™s easy to do, and perfect for adding to soups and slaws.

Sliced cabbage on a Nesco dehydrator tray

Cabbage: A Simple, Budget-Friendly Ingredient

As a kid, I loved hot cabbage bathed in butter, with a sprinkle of salt and white pepper. And letā€™s be honestā€”I still do!

Cabbage is not only inexpensive but it's also packed with nutrients. The best part? It absorbs flavors really well, so if youā€™re adding it to soups, stir-fries, or slaws, it takes on the taste of whatever you're cooking.

Why Dehydrate Cabbage? The Benefits Might Surprise You!

Hereā€™s why itā€™s worth the effort:

  • Saves Space: A single head of cabbage takes up a lot of room in the fridge, but once dehydrated, it fits into a Mason jar.
  • Long Shelf Life: Properly stored dehydrated cabbage lasts 12+ months, unlike fresh cabbage, which goes off within weeks.
  • Nutrient Retention: Dehydrating does reduce water content, but it preserves most of the vitamins and minerals that make cabbage a healthy choice.
  • Quick & Easy Rehydration: Just soak in water, and itā€™s ready to use in soups, stews, or slaws.

Cabbage Nutrition Info.

VITAMINS: Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and Folate.

MINERALS: A good source of Potassium and Calcium, along with Phosphorus, with trace minerals of Selenium, Zinc, and Manganese.

Cabbage also contains Omega-6 fatty acids.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dehydrating Cabbage

Can you dehydrate cabbage?

Absolutely! How to dehydrate cabbage is simpler than you might think. Scroll down for step-by-step instructions.

How long does it take to dehydrate cabbage?

The average length of time to dehydrate cabbage is between 7 to 11 hours and it feels quite brittle and very light-weight when dried.

Do I need to blanch cabbage before dehydrating?

Nope! Unlike some vegetables that require blanching to retain color, cabbage does just fine without blanching. Dehydrated cabbage may lighten in color over time, and that's normal.

How to Dehydrate Cabbage in a Dehydrator

Using an electric dehydrator is hands down the best method. It ensures even drying without burning.

  1. Remove the outer leaves (save them for stuffed cabbage rolls!). Rinse the head under cold water if needed.
  2. Slice cabbage into thin strips, about 1/2-inch wide.
  3. Arrange evenly on dehydrator trays. A little overlap is fine.
  4. Set your dehydrator between 125Ā°F and 135Ā°F (or per your modelā€™s instructions).
  5. Drying time: 7-11 hours. Rotate trays for even drying.

šŸ’” Tip: Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!

Fully dehydrated cabbage will be brittle and crisp.

How to Dehydrate Cabbage in a Regular Oven

If you donā€™t have a dehydrator, use your oven. Just keep an eye on the cabbage toward the end to prevent scorching.

  • Preheat the oven to 200Ā°F.
  • Slice cabbage thinly and discard the core.
  • Spread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  • Bake for about 2 hours or until fully dried.

šŸ’” Tip: Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!

How Much Cabbage Does a Dehydrator Hold?

Dehydrated cabbage in bowl showing 7 trays of dried cabbage

Can you believe this small bowl holds seven full trays of dehydrated cabbage? šŸ˜² Thatā€™s the magic of dehydrationā€”it shrinks your food and keeps the majority of the nutrients intact.

Full head of cabbage

One head of cabbage fills an entire dehydrator! When dried, it takes up just a fraction of the space as you see in my previous image!

šŸ’” Storage Tip: Store your cabbage in Mason jars for frequent use in soups and stews, or vacuum-sealed bags for long-term storage.

How to Use Dehydrated Cabbage in Soups & Smoothies

Dehydrated cabbage is an awesome soup ingredientā€”just toss it in, and it will rehydrate as it simmers! Gain extra fiber and nutrients when added to stews, broth-based soups, and even ramen.

Add dehydrated cabbage to smoothies. Blend it dry for a fiber boost, or rehydrate it first if you want a smoother texture. Itā€™s an easy way to sneak more veggies into your diet.

Classic Coleslaw Recipe

Classic Coleslaw from Allrecipes.com

Check out this classic coleslaw recipe. It's a sugar-free coleslaw version with a tangy vinegar-mayo dressing over on Allrecipes.com!

Storage & Best Practices for Dehydrated Cabbage

Dehydrated cabbage needs proper storage to keep it fresh.

  • Short-term storage: Mason jars with airtight lids work well for quick access (great if you use it frequently and they look good on your pantry shelves).
  • Long-term storage: Mylar bags with added oxygen absorbers help keep the cabbage dry and extends shelf life up to 12-18 months.
  • Avoid humidity: Keep stored cabbage in a cool, dark place like a closed kitchen cupboard or a pantry to prevent re-absorption of moisture.

Cutting Up Cabbage - Use a Good Knife!

Cabbage being slicedCabbage being sliced
Cutluxe 8
Cutluxe 8" Chef Knife, Full Tang

Begin by Using a Good Sharp Knife by Cutluxe!

Check out this great chef's knife with a full tang that means the handle and blade "are one" so they can't come apart when we're slicin' and a dicin'.

I know these Cutluxe Chef knives may be a little expensive, but they do last pretty much a lifetime when you maintain their cutting edges.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.


So, Is Dehydrating Cabbage Worth It?

If you love cabbage, dehydrating it is a simple, space-saving way to enjoy it whenever the cabbage crave arises. Don't forget you can use a dehydrator or oven so youā€™ll have cabbage on hand for soups, stews, slaws, and even smoothies!

šŸ’” Also, don't forget to store dehydrated cabbage in vacuum-sealer bags for long-term storage or in Mason jars for everyday use.

Thanks for stopping by to learn how to dehydrate cabbage for long-term storage.

Get Your Free Guide to Dehydrating Like a Pro!

Don't forget to grab your free Six Simple Steps eBook! Itā€™s packed with tips for dehydrating everything from fruits and veggies to dog treats. Get it here.

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