Black inside and on the cut side – why does cabbage rot during storage?

White cabbage is a storehouse of nutrients, vitamins, and microelements. However, for city dwellers, it remains relevant The question is how to store it properly so it doesn't turn brown or spoil. The optimal solution is to store it in the refrigerator or on the balcony. The latter option isn't always convenient, but there are several ways to store vegetables in the refrigerator. The main thing is to know the rules for long-term storage.

Why does cabbage turn black when stored in the refrigerator?

If basic storage rules aren't followed, cabbage loses its beneficial properties over time, becoming tasteless and useless. Black spots inside the cabbage and on the cut surface can be caused not only by improper storage conditions but also by various diseases.

Diseases include:

1. Gray mold. It appears as a gray coating and an unpleasant moldy odor. If the affected areas are not removed promptly, the entire cabbage will be ruined. If you remove the rotting leaves and thoroughly wash the cabbage, it can still be eaten.
2. Fusarium wilt. This is typical of plants grown in dry weather. When the vegetable is infected, dark spots on the blood vessels will be visible on the cut surface. This vegetable is unfit for consumption.
3. Alternia leaf spot. It manifests itself as leaf rot, causing them to easily separate from the heads. Leaf rot occurs very quickly.

However, cabbage can also turn black if stored improperly. This occurs due to a lack of oxygen and the growth of harmful microorganisms. There are several preservation methods that will extend the shelf life of the vegetable crop.

How to store cabbage in the refrigerator

A normal temperature is considered to be between 1 and 5 degrees Celsius. Modern refrigerators have a special zone for storing vegetables. If there isn't one, choose a place on the bottom shelf and set the temperature to the lowest setting.

Not all cabbage heads are suitable for storage. Therefore, before purchasing a cabbage, it's important to carefully inspect it. It should meet the following characteristics:

• absence of mechanical damage;
• the stalk is not damaged;
• the upper leaves are tightly attached to the head of cabbage;
• they should also have a healthy appearance;
• dense, non-cracking structure.

There are several ways to store produce to prevent it from turning black:

• in cling film;
• in a paper or plastic bag.

Only well-dried heads of cabbage are selected for storage, so allow them to dry completely for a couple of days before placing them in the refrigerator. Wrap the cabbage tightly in 2-3 layers of plastic wrap or paper. The key is to ensure there is no air between the cabbage and the plastic wrap. This will ensure reliable storage for up to one month.

Tips for storing cabbage in the refrigerator

To prevent the crop from turning black, there are other ways to store it:

• freezing;
• drying.

It can be frozen in several ways: whole heads, pieces, or shredded. Of course, such products will not be suitable for salads, as loses its original crunchBut it's an excellent option for hot dishes. The vegetable can be stored for up to a year.

If you have a dehydrator at home, you can dry the vegetables. This can save a lot of space. Shredded produce is dried for 12 hours at 65 degrees Celsius.

These methods of storing the product will minimize the formation of black spots on the head of cabbage.

Conclusion

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The main reason for the blackening of a product is improper storage conditions or non-compliance with the rules for storing the crop.

The main rule for storing cabbage at home is choosing the right refrigerator temperature. The head of cabbage should be free of mechanical damage and have a firm structure, without cracks or torn leaves.

The product can be preserved fresh in several ways:

• in its entirety;
• cut into pieces;
• chopped.

Whole cabbage or cut into pieces is best stored wrapped in plastic wrap. This is important to avoid any air pockets between the leaves and the wrap. Shredded cabbage can be stored in containers or a plastic bag.

Reviews

Valentina

I keep cabbage in a plastic bag On the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. This way, it doesn't turn brown. However, I try not to keep it for more than a week. Mine tends to get a bit sweet when left out for too long. I store the shredded cabbage in a container for up to 5 days. This ensures a fresh, unspoiled product.

Irina

White cabbage doesn't like humidity or extreme temperatures. I believe the optimal place to store this vegetable is the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Especially since there are special compartments for vegetables there. The produce can be stored there for a long time without turning brown or souring.