How to store Chinese cabbage: organizing proper storage at home

Are ground-based vegetable stores okay?

If there is no optimal underground storage, then the cut heads of Peking cabbage are placed in bags or boxes made of food-grade plastic and, without tightly covering the packaging, they are laid out all together in one box, maximum three layers. It is impossible to fill too closely horizontally. It is also not allowed to put the heads of cabbage vertically. The boxes are provided with adequate, but draft-free, ventilation.

When storing Peking cabbage in such storage facilities, it is very important not to forget that this cabbage withers very quickly. After all, its leaves do not have a wax layer, as a natural protection against excessive evaporation.

As a result, a sufficiently high humidity must be kept in the storage chambers. But it makes no sense to catch up to 100%. After all, cabbage stored with such sputum is attacked by mold and turns into rot within a week.

To slow down the rate of drying of valuable inner leaves, it is necessary to leave a certain amount of "protective" outer leaves. Then you can peel them off and enjoy the taste of a wonderful vegetable.

Growing options

How to grow Chinese cabbage outdoors using ready-made seedlings? In the spring, before planting seedlings, it is recommended to add a herbicide (Tornado, Default, Announce, Typhoon) to the ground. The herbicide is used only with a strong attack by weeds.

Holes are made in open beds. The size depends on the destination of the finished crop. If it is necessary to collect the leaves for salad, then the pits in the furrow are made at a distance of 13 cm in depth equal to the size of the cup. The row spacing should be approximately 45 cm.If heads of cabbage are to be harvested, the distance between the grooves in the furrow increases to 35 cm.

The specificity of planting seedlings is the introduction of fertilizers into each deepening made. You can make a composition from superphosphate, wood ash and urea. All these components are mixed with earth and watered. You can place young seedlings together with a peat pot in the prepared hole.

How to grow Chinese cabbage in the country if seeds are planted in the ground right away? In the selected area, every 25 cm, recesses of 2 cm are made. It is useful to add humus, wood ash and water abundantly in them. Two or three seeds are placed in each well. After about five days, seedlings emerge and thinning is carried out, leaving the strongest sprout.

From the experience of gardeners who have been growing vegetables for more than one year, it can be judged that any method, with proper care, will give a good result. Galina, 43 years old: “For many years I have been planting cabbage with seeds at once in open beds. I am sure to provide shade, mulch the soil and apply fertilizers. "

Main ways to preserve Chinese cabbage

A gardener who has harvested a high yield of Peking should have information on how to store it. So, Chinese cabbage can be saved both fresh and frozen or dried. Learn more about each method.

In fridge

This is one of the most common and popular methods among gardeners who do not have a cellar. Heads of cabbage selected for savings are wrapped in cling film or polyethylene bags and placed in a refrigerated vegetable compartment.

If this is not the case, then you can purchase a plastic container that closes with a lid, put the fruits in it and place them in the refrigerator. This way of saving will allow you to feast on salads with fresh Peking for one month.

Did you know? In ancient Greece, cabbage was considered a symbol of sobriety, capable of relieving symptoms of alcohol intoxication.

In the cellar

If there is no room in the refrigerator, then you can save fresh cabbage heads in a kind of vegetable storage - a cellar.

There are several options for storing vegetables in the cellar:

In the box. Heads of cabbage wrapped in foil or polyethylene must be folded loosely in a box in a standing position. Laying on its side is not recommended.
In sand. This method is relevant for cabbage heads that were previously uprooted. Wet sand is collected in a special container or box, vegetables are placed there, and the root system is sprinkled a little. It turns out a kind of area on which the heads of cabbage will neither germinate, nor wither, nor age.
In limbo. The method is less popular than the previous ones. It boils down to hanging the heads of cabbage (up by stumps) on a rope stretched from the ceiling in the cellar. Each grower determines the rationality of this method individually.

Important! Make sure that there are no fruits in the vicinity of cabbage, especially apples, which release ethylene, which has a destructive effect on Beijing.

Subject to the rules and ensuring storage conditions (humidity, air temperature), the fruits will remain fresh for 3-4 months, that is, until the New Year and even longer.

Dried

Dried Peking is ideal for making soups and vegetable purees in winter.

To carry out the process, an oven or electric dryer is used, and it consists of the following stages:

Slicing cabbage leaves into thin strips. You must first remove all damaged foliage.
Decomposition of a shredded vegetable in an oven or electric dryer in a thin layer.
Setting the correct temperature mode: for the oven - + 50 ... + 100 ° С (in this case, it is necessary to turn on the convection mode, or do not close the oven doors), for the electric dryer - + 50 ... + 60 ° С.
Regular stirring of chopped pieces of vegetable.

Important! It is recommended to store dried Peking in cotton bags (for example, the vegetable will breathe, but not damp) and in a dry place for a whole year, or even longer.

Leaven

Peking cabbage sourdough process is slightly different from ordinary cabbage. This is because the foliage of the Chinese vegetable is much softer.

To implement the most common recipe, you will need:

5 kg Peking;
300 ml of water;
50 ml vinegar;
1 tsp vinegar;
1 tsp salt;
1 garlic clove

The Chinese vegetable must be chopped and, having mixed well with the rest of the ingredients, placed in a sourdough container and tamped well. Then the container is covered with a lid and some kind of weight is placed on it. Salting must be kept for two days in room conditions, and then transferred to a cold room, where it should be ready for 14 days.

Freezing

Another option for saving Peking for the winter is freezing. In this way, the vegetable is stored mainly for making soups or cabbage rolls. If Chinese cabbage is intended for salad use, then it is frozen in a chopped (chopped) form.

Important! It is necessary to defrost the leaves of a Chinese vegetable in a natural way, without blanching, since the foliage is very delicate and can be boiled.

How to determine the freshness of a vegetable in a store?

To determine the freshness of Peking cabbage in a store, you need to carefully examine it (how to choose the right Peking cabbage?).

A quality product should not have dry, damaged and rotten leaves, and its color should be saturated. Fresh cabbage comes in a variety of hues, ranging from light yellow to intense green. It all depends on its variety.

Quite often, vegetables are wrapped in plastic wrap to extend their shelf life. Even if the cabbage is in a film, you can unfold it a little and inspect it, determine the moisture content of the sheets. In no case should you take cabbage with wet leaves - it is no longer the first freshness and cannot be stored for a long time.If condensation has formed under the film, then such cabbage will quickly lose its appearance, not to mention longer storage.

Cabbage from the store must be immediately sorted out and sent for storage, following certain instructions:

remove all spoiled leaves;
prepare storage space;
pack or cut the heads of cabbage (depending on the storage location);
spread the prepared cabbage.

It is best to immediately wrap the purchased cabbage in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator or on a glazed loggia. Thus, it is possible to achieve optimal storage conditions and prolong its freshness for several weeks.

Peking cabbage is a favorite and healthy delicacy of many, which can be consumed not only in summer, but also in the cold season. In order for this product to delight with its unique taste for a longer time and have a fresh look, it is necessary not only to choose it correctly on the market or in a store, but also to preserve it. By adhering to the above tips, you will always have delicious, nutritious and beautiful dishes on the table, which include Chinese cabbage.

Storage methods

Depending on the possibilities, each housewife chooses for herself the most optimal way of storing the crop. For this, the usual improvised means and devices are used.

In paper

For wrapping, use an ordinary newspaper or sheets of office paper. Each head of cabbage is wrapped in 2 layers so that there are no uncovered areas left. The paper prevents the heads of cabbage from touching, provides sufficient thermal insulation, and protects the cabbage from light and moisture.

In sand

For the longest possible storage, the Peking is dug out together with the root part, trying not to damage it. The heads of cabbage are lightly compacted in boxes of sand so that it covers the root and part of the stump. This storage method is suitable for cellars and balconies. The sand is periodically moistened to maintain the freshness of the leaves.

In boxes

Absolutely dry and not rotten heads of cabbage are placed in wooden boxes or special containers upside down. An embankment of no more than 3 rows is allowed, each copy is wrapped with food or plastic wrap.

Periodically, vegetables are inspected and rearranged, interchanged to prevent squeezing the sides of the heads of cabbage and the appearance of mold. Drawers must have openings for air inlet.

In limbo

If there is not enough space in the cellar above the placed boxes with vegetables, they equip a wooden shelf or nail it to the ceiling. Each head of cabbage is attached separately to the nails driven into it, wrapped with a rope around the stump. When harvesting, at least 3 cm of stumps are left.

In this state, vegetables are well stored due to adequate ventilation. It is convenient to inspect them for signs of rot and mold.

Other storage methods

If there is no more room in the freezer, and you have harvested a large harvest of Peking cabbage, you will have to consider alternative options for storing it. The most popular option would be to place the vegetable in the cellar, with preliminary preparation of the place. In addition, you can send cabbage to the refrigerated compartments for vegetables, but in any case, you have to comply with certain conditions.

In the cellar

The cellar room is often used for winter storage of vegetable crops, therefore, most likely, there are already prepared places for placing blanks. The only requirement is the stable maintenance of temperatures during the winter season (not higher than + 8 ... + 10 ° C) and the control of humidity, which should initially be at a low level.

Before placing Chinese cabbage in boxes or immediately on the shelves, each head of cabbage must be wrapped in cling film or placed in a plastic bag, tightly tying it. In this form, vegetables are often sent to wooden boxes, which can be covered with a lid on top, while ensuring good ventilation of the contents from all sides.

Important! If the air in the cellar is too dry, you can put a container with water in the room, but when the temperature drops below the permissible values (especially to 0 °), you will have to transfer the cabbage in order to protect it from decay of the heads.

In fridge

Storing cabbage in the refrigerator is more important for residents of city apartments who cannot use the cellar. In this case, the preliminary preparation of vegetables is carried out according to generally accepted rules: all selected specimens must be dry, clean, without signs of damage or traces of diseases and pests.

When wrapping heads of cabbage in cling film, make sure that condensation does not form inside.

The ideal storage place will be special boxes at the bottom of the refrigerator, and if they are not provided for by the design of the device, you will have to purchase separate plastic containers with tight lids. During the entire storage period of cabbage, it is necessary to regularly remove dried leaves, inspecting vegetables for signs of damage.

If all the requirements are met, it will be possible to use Peking cabbage within a month without fear of a decrease in its taste or useful properties. In the freezer, this period is extended to 3–6 months, although many housewives use the vegetable even after this date, especially if the leaves have not been thawed and will be used for cooking first courses or stewing.

Did you know? The wandering of the Peking cabbage variety around the world began from the territory of China about 5,000 years ago, but in Europe and Russia they started talking about it en masse only after the 70s of the last century.

1 Time, variety and other important factors

As a rule, heads of cabbage removed in mid-October last longer than others. Therefore, if the weather permits, but there is no frost, the vegetable can be left in the garden for an even longer period. But you need to carefully monitor the forecasts - if the temperature drops below zero, until the product is removed, its shelf life will be significantly reduced. A head of cabbage infected with a disease or with traces of the vital activity of pests is also not subject to storage. Damage, wounds, mucus, spots on the leaves are signals that indicate the impossibility of saving the vegetable for the winter.

Shelf life depends on the variety. Some can lie for a few days, others up to six months. Early hybrids, for example, are categorically unsuitable for long-term storage. Optimal varieties:

"Princess";
"Vorozheya";
Parkin;
"Russian size".

The reputation of domestic hybrids, developed specifically for our climate, is not bad. The varieties bred by Dutch scientists are well stored - they are not afraid of temperature drops and frosts.

Varieties suitable for long-term storage

Before breeding, as well as buying Peking cabbage, you need to consider for what purpose it is being done: immediately eat it or for long-term storage. There is no one-size-fits-all care rule for all species. For example, varieties of an early hybrid have a small size, crispy, delicate leaves, a short ripening, but they are absolutely not suitable for blanks for the winter. This type includes such a variety as "orange tangerine". Therefore, in order to preserve the freshness of Peking cabbage for a long time, it is advisable to choose the late-ripening type, which is much larger than the early one. These include:

Sorceress;
Russian size;
Vorozheya;
Princess.

Those who decide to plant this product on their own should take a closer look at domestic types because of the better climate tolerance. Western hybrids tend to thrive in milder climates.

Peking cabbage care

The technology for growing Chinese cabbage includes timely watering and feeding with mineral and organic fertilizers.

Watering

Peking cabbage is poured with warm water. In dry weather - once every 3-4 days, in rainy weather - once every seven days. With heavy precipitation, the vegetable does not need additional moisture.

Be sure to focus on soil moisture, since more than 65% can lead to rot damage to the vegetable root.

Top dressing

To obtain a good harvest, the plant is fed several times per season. The first time fertilization is applied 14 days after planting in a permanent place. To do this, use one of the following solutions:

mullein infusion (1 kg per 10 liters of water);
poultry droppings (500 g per 10 liters of water);
nitroammofosk (1 tsp per 10 liters of liquid).

Organic fertilizers are applied 1 liter under each bush, mineral fertilizers - 10 liters per 1 sq. m.

The second and third dressings are applied at regular intervals of 14 days. The following means are used for this:

wood ash (200 g per 10 l);
boric acid solution (2 g per 10 l).

Early varieties, planted in well-fertilized soil, do not need additional feeding.

Is it possible to dive Chinese cabbage

The seedlings of this plant do not tolerate transplanting well, so the seeds are sown in separate pots or in peat tablets. Seedlings grown in a common box do not take root well during transplantation and may die.

Planting seedlings in separate containers is carried out according to the following algorithm:

wait for 2-3 true leaves;
spill the soil thoroughly in the box and transplant containers;
using a spatula, carefully remove the seedling;
place it in a separate container, burying it into the soil to the cotyledonous leaves;
compact the soil around the plant;
put on a windowsill, protected from direct sunlight.

Only healthy, strong seedlings are transplanted.

Useful properties of Chinese cabbage

Chinese cabbage, like cabbage, contains a lot of dietary fiber, which works in the intestines like a panicle. They mechanically collect waste from its walls and remove them. Thus, Chinese cabbage normalizes stool and relieves constipation.

This vegetable also contains vitamins C, A, K. The first of them helps to keep the skin in good condition, as it promotes the production of collagen. Vitamin A has a positive effect on visual acuity, and vitamin K is needed to normalize blood clotting. The presence of lactucin in the "Beijing" helps to bring blood pressure back to normal.

And its natural complex of minerals allows you to remove excess fluid from the body and break down cholesterol plaques. Therefore, in case of edema, Chinese cabbage is very useful.

In addition, Peking is a low-calorie product, so it is very effective in reducing excess body weight. The body spends more energy on its digestion than it has as a result. This calorie content is called negative.

Helpful hints

Anyone who decides to start storing Peking for the winter should familiarize themselves with some of the recommendations of experienced gardeners:

Condensation often forms under the film during storage. To avoid this phenomenon, the fruits must be cooled before wrapping in cellophane.
The temperature in the room where the vegetable is stored should not be allowed to rise. This will lead to its germination.
If you are saving the fruits in the cellar, then you can do a little testing: put them on different shelves with different heights. So, it will be possible to determine the ideal place for storing heads of cabbage for the next year.
Monitor the humidity of the air. With an increase in the indicator above 98%, Peking may suffer from fungal diseases, or rot.
Cabbage, intended for saving in the refrigerator, does not need to be wrapped in cellophane: paper bags or newspaper can be used as a wrapper.
It is not recommended to cut off the amount of foliage necessary to prepare the intended dish from the head of cabbage, then wrap it again and send it to savings. This will damage the cabbage. If you have already started using the vegetable, then use it entirely.

As you can see, if you follow some simple rules, you can provide yourself with fresh Peking cabbage from your own garden for a long time, and in winter you can enjoy dishes from this vegetable. The main thing is to take into account all the nuances of saving Peking, choose your own storage method, and provide the vegetables with optimal conditions.

Is it possible to freeze Beijing cabbage

The leaves of the vegetable crop are frozen in whole and in crushed form. The freezing method is chosen taking into account the further use of the product.

How properties and taste change

If you strictly adhere to the recommended storage rules, after freezing, the taste and quality of Peking cabbage practically does not change.

Such a product does not lose its therapeutic properties either. It has a positive effect on the body:

improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, removes toxins;
normalizes the process of blood clotting;
strengthens the skeletal system;
eliminates a depressive state;
relieves headache.

The substances that make up the vegetable improve the condition of hair, nails and teeth. Due to the high amount of fiber and low calorie content, Peking cabbage is used in dietary nutrition.

How to choose Peking cabbage for storage

Shelf life depends on the variety. Some can lie for a few days, others up to six months. Early hybrids, for example, are categorically unsuitable for long-term storage. Optimal varieties:

"Princess";
"Vorozheya";
Parkin;
"Russian size".

It is necessary to choose Russian hybrids and varieties. They were obtained taking into account the domestic climate. Varieties - "foreigners", as usual, are intended for cultivation in milder climates and for "feeding" in closed ground, they will need more fertilizers. The most mellow and tasty varieties and hybrids for the middle zone of the Russian Federation and the Non-Black Earth Region are as follows:

Asten
Yuki F1
Wineglass
Slides F1
Half-cabbage

For the southern regions, you can add varieties and hybrids such as Nika, Monument, Nozaki and Russian size.

So that the vegetable you bought does not deteriorate quickly during storage, it is recommended to select medium-late or late varieties grown in the Russian climate:

Sorceress;
Princess;
Russian size;
Semi-cabbage;
Asten;
Vorozheya;
Wineglass.

Harvesting of these varieties takes place from the end of September or from the middle of October. The cabbage leaves should not catch the frost, otherwise it will quickly rot.

When choosing a vegetable, you need to pay attention to the appearance, since the possibility of its long-term storage depends on this:

heads of cabbage are selected dense and with a uniform color;
the leaves should be free from pest bites or other defects.

Crumpled or damaged leaves must be removed, as they can cause damage to the entire fork. When other heads of cabbage are adjacent, defects can also spread to their leaves.

Not every head of Chinese cabbage is suitable for long-term storage. The forks must be undamaged and dry. Leaves are not sluggish and not withered, uniform color. The lighter they are, the more juicy, in green specimens they are more fibrous.

And one more nuance, when this is not your own harvest, but from the store: if the head of cabbage is too large with yellow leaves, then the cabbage is overripe and not so juicy. A spoiled or faded product cannot be preserved in any way.

Asten;
Wineglass;
Wizard;
The sorcerer;
Princess.

It is necessary to allow the Chinese cabbage to freeze, since it will not lie. When optimal conditions are created, tight heads of cabbage without damage, colored evenly, do not rot for a long time.Crumpled and sluggish leaves must be torn off immediately, since fungi grow in them, which quickly spread and cause decay.

Not every grade of Peking has good keeping quality. Early ripe hybrids with juicy and tender leaves quickly deteriorate and rot, they are eaten in the near future.

Some summer residents prefer domestic hybrids, since they were created by breeders, taking into account the peculiarities of our climate. Dutch varieties proved to be excellent, which perfectly tolerate frosts and sudden changes in temperature.

Not so long ago, this type of plant was considered rare and did not cost little money. To date, many varieties have been developed that are suitable for cultivation in Russia.

For long-term storage, vegetable growers usually choose varieties of large and medium sizes, giving preference to the "fortune-teller", "magician", "princess". They sing later. Species with smaller heads of cabbage, such as "orange tangerine", although they ripen very quickly, will not last until winter, it is better to eat them right away.

As for the western hybrids, they are not suitable for growing in the cold climatic zones of our country, so you should not stop your choice on them. Domestic variants with dense and elastic cabbage fruits are most suitable.

Important!

Crumpled or damaged leaves must be removed, as they can cause damage to the entire fork. When other heads of cabbage are adjacent, defects can also spread to their leaves.

Basic ways

There are many ways to preserve cabbage for the winter. It is permissible to keep vegetables in boxes, boxes, in the basement and pantry room. All storage options have their own advantages and nuances.

Fridge

Gardeners say that the best conditions for preserving the taste of cabbage in an apartment are temperatures from 0 to 2 degrees Celsius. These are the conditions that the refrigerator provides. It is recommended to keep the heads of cabbage in special compartments for fresh vegetables. They are found in almost all modern refrigerator models. To protect them from dampness, vegetables are wrapped in parchment paper.

However, the paper also absorbs moisture over time and becomes damp. Therefore, it is worth periodically reviewing the blanks and changing the parchment. With the right temperature, the cabbage will be fresh throughout the winter.

Balcony

For storage on the balcony, the optimum temperature is considered to be -5 degrees below zero. At high rates, there is a risk of spoilage of vegetables. To keep cabbage on the balcony, you need to wrap the cabbage in parchment sheets and put it in wooden containers or thermal containers. Periodically, it is also recommended to review the workpieces for damaged fragments.

Pantry

For placing cabbage in the pantry room, experienced gardeners have determined acceptable temperature values - from -2 to +3 degrees. In case of deviations from the norm, the products begin to deteriorate and become infected with fungus. For harvesting, you need to wrap the heads of cabbage with polyethylene or parchment, put them in a deep wooden container and send them to a dark corner. Please make sure there is no mold in the room before shipping.

Cellar or basement

A cellar or basement is one of the most suitable places for storing large vegetables. Here, they are provided with normal temperature indicators, as well as an acceptable level of humidity. During harvesting, vegetables are dried, cut from the roots, wrapped in paper and laid out in wooden boxes. It is best if there are no products with a pungent smell next to the cabbage.

How to store at home: step by step instructions

Gardeners who have harvested a good harvest should know exactly how to preserve it correctly, which methods are the most reliable, whether it is possible to freeze and which recipes for harvesting Peking cabbage are better. There are several main ways.

In fridge

The most common method.Not everyone has a cellar and a refrigerator, in this case, it becomes an excellent alternative. Cabbage is wrapped in cling film or placed in a container with a tight lid. In this form, Peking will keep freshness for 1 month.

In the freezer

For this method, Peking is pre-washed and cut. The leaves are well dried and laid out on a paper towel. After that, the workpieces laid out on a flat surface are frozen for several hours in the freezer. Then the leaves are folded into bags or containers and sent for storage for up to 1 year. Leaves can not be cut, but stored whole. Cabbage rolls are prepared from them.

Attention!

The vegetable is thawed naturally, otherwise the delicate leaves will lose their color and pleasant texture.

In the cellar

This is a kind of vegetable storage in which Chinese cabbage can be stored in several ways:

In limbo. The least popular of the existing methods. Heads of cabbage are hung up with stumps under the ceiling. A stretched rope is most often used.
In the box. The most common and popular option. Heads of cabbage are wrapped in foil and placed in a standing position in wooden or cardboard boxes. It is not recommended to fold them horizontally.

Dried

Leaves harvested using this method are used for making soups and main courses. Beijing practically does not lose its taste. Harvesting takes place in several stages:

Peking cabbage leaves are cut into small strips. Rotten and spoiled ones are removed.
An oven is used for drying. Sprinkle cabbage straws on a baking sheet in a thin layer.
On convection mode at 100 degrees, the vegetable will dry in 1 hour. The most important thing is not to forget to constantly stir the straw so that it does not burn.

In this form, Peking is stored in cotton bags for more than a year. Pouring it into glass jars is not recommended, as it can damp.

In boxes

If the cabbage has been uprooted, this is the ideal way. Wet sand is poured into the box, the root system is added dropwise. In this state, the cabbage does not age and does not fade for the entire shelf life. This option is best suited for a cellar where sunlight does not enter.

Advice

The sand storage method works well for almost all types of cabbage, including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower.

In packages

This is a modern method. Its essence lies in the fact that cabbage, 2 - 3 heads of cabbage, are placed in a bag and a vacuum is created using special equipment. Such blanks are put into a box. The disadvantages of this method include the fact that once every few weeks the vegetable still needs to be inspected, and if signs of deterioration appear, the package is opened, the leaves are removed and vacuumed again using additional equipment.

Suitable temperature and shelf life

Peking cabbage is demanding on storage conditions. Violation of the recommendations will lead either to wilting of the leaves, or to the development of putrefactive processes. The optimal temperature values at which the forks are guaranteed to lie for 2 months, fluctuate between 0 ... + 3 degrees.

The indicator of the level of humidity is no less important. It is good if it does not exceed 98%, otherwise the heads of cabbage will rot. Indoors where the air is too dry, cabbage leaves will lose juice and wither. Gardeners solve this problem with a pot of water, placing it next to boxes of cabbage. The lower recommended humidity threshold is 93%.

Before laying vegetables for storage in the cellar, disinfection is carried out. Cut heads of cabbage are carefully examined for damage. Only whole forks not touched by infection differ in keeping quality. Heads that do not meet these requirements are eaten first.

Important! Heads that need to be preserved for a long time must not be undressed. Removal of 1–2 upper leaves is allowed if they have minor damage

Forks must be dry inside and out.

Selected heads of cabbage are placed in spacious wooden boxes in one layer so that they do not touch each other. Many gardeners wrap each fork in plastic wrap. It serves as a barrier to the penetration of harmful microorganisms from the outside.

It is advisable to use this storage method if there are fruits in the basement. The proximity to apples, which emit ethylene, is especially dangerous for Peking cabbage. Under the influence of its vapors, heads of cabbage quickly deteriorate.

Storage with apples is contraindicated

In fridge

At home, Peking is stored in the refrigerator, in the vegetable compartment. At a temperature of + 5 ... + 7 degrees, heads of cabbage can lie for 1 week. To prolong the life of forks, you need to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Vegetables will not rot or wither within 7-10 days if you put them in a large plastic container with a lid equipped with an air valve.

In the freezer

Freezing Chinese cabbage is one of the best ways to preserve crops for up to 6 months. This method has a drawback - after defrosting, the leaves become too soft. They are unsuitable for salad compositions, but they can be used as a vitamin supplement in first courses.

Freezing Peking cabbage involves pre-shredding the heads. The chopped vegetables are put in plastic bags or small plastic bowls, tightly closed and placed in the lowest temperature chamber (quick-freeze compartment). After 3 hours, the bundles are transferred to any other compartment of the freezer.

Dried

You can also save Peking cabbage for the winter in dried form. For harvesting, heads of cabbage not damaged by pests and diseases are chosen. The upper 2-3 leaves are removed, and the forks are finely chopped. Cabbage slices are dried in two ways:

in a dryer for vegetables and fruits;
in the oven.

In the first case, the Peking is laid out in a special pallet and the unit is turned on. The processing time is indicated in the instructions. If the hostess has only an oven, the sliced cabbage is poured onto a baking sheet covered with baking paper in a thin layer. The suitable temperature for drying vegetables is 50 degrees.

Attention! If the oven is equipped with a convection function, it is recommended to turn it on and leave the door ajar, fixing it with a wooden spatula.

Drying Chinese cabbage

The drying time for cabbage is 2–4 hours, depending on the size of the vegetable fragments. The degree of readiness is determined by the external signs of slicing. The crushed leaves should lose juice, but at the same time retain their firmness and elasticity.

Salting and pickling

Many people think that Chinese cabbage is not used for fermentation and homemade preparations for the winter. In fact, there are many pickling recipes that can help preserve the harvest.

The traditional spicy Korean appetizer kimchi is gaining popularity in Russia. Such a treat is not a shame to serve to guests. Also, this vegetable is added to assorted dishes and salads.

Having collected a rich harvest of Peking cabbage, it is important to preserve it for a long time in order to benefit from it in winter. Each gardener chooses a suitable method for him - sends the heads of cabbage to the cellar, dries vegetables, freezes or pickles

The main rule is that only healthy forks without signs of pest or infection are suitable for long-term storage.

How to properly store a Peking in a cellar

Those who live in their homes keep winter preparations in basements and cellars. In such repositories, it is easy to create and maintain an optimal environment for most products. The natural humidity and constant microclimate of the premises make it possible for the stored Peking varieties to remain fresh for 3-4 months.

However, each product has its own rules. Peking cabbage is very demanding on storage conditions.If they are not followed, the heads wilt, rot or become infected.

Those who want to provide themselves with cabbage for a long time should:

maintain the temperature in the storage from 0 to +2 ° C and humidity 95%;
exclude the neighborhood of Peking with fresh apples and other types of fruits;
regularly check the heads for integrity and remove spoiled specimens in time.

Gardeners who are just starting to store a vegetable at home often ask the question of how long Beijing cabbage can lie in the heads of cabbage. There is no definite answer here. Subject to the rules - from 1 to 4 months. It all depends on the quality of the product itself, the characteristics of its cultivation and storage capabilities.

An increase in indoor temperature leads to faster germination of cabbage and a decrease in its storage time. Also, accidental freezing of the heads should not be allowed, which will result in damage to the product.

If you haven't stored Chinese cabbage in your cellar yet, give it a try. Select cabbage of the same variety and place it on shelves of different levels and in different places. So during one wintering you will understand where it is better to store this vegetable.