Cabbage is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that can be used in many dishes. When cooking with cabbage, it is helpful to know how much cabbage equals a certain measurement like cups. This allows you to accurately determine quantities for recipes. So how many cups are in a full head of cabbage?
Quick Answer
A full, untrimmed head of green cabbage weighs around 2 pounds and yields around 12 cups shredded. A full head of red or savoy cabbage weighs about 1.5 pounds and yields around 9 cups shredded. The exact cup yield can vary based on the size and variety of the cabbage head.
Measuring Shredded Cabbage by Cups
When cabbage is shredded or chopped, it is easy to measure it by the cup. In most cases:
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage is around 85 grams or 3 ounces
- 1 cup shredded red or savoy cabbage is around 70 grams or 2.5 ounces
Measuring shredded cabbage by cups is convenient for recipes when you need a specific quantity of cabbage by volume rather than weight.
Cup Equivalents
Here are some approximate cup equivalents for shredded cabbage:
| Cabbage Type | 1 Cup | 1⁄2 Cup | 1⁄4 Cup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green cabbage | 85g / 3oz | 45g / 1.5oz | 20g / 0.75oz |
| Red cabbage | 70g / 2.5oz | 35g / 1.25oz | 15g / 0.5oz |
| Savoy cabbage | 70g / 2.5oz | 35g / 1.25oz | 15g / 0.5oz |
Yield from a Full Head of Cabbage
The number of cups yielded from a full, untrimmed head of cabbage depends on the variety and size:
- Green cabbage – A full head weighs around 2 pounds and yields about 12 cups shredded.
- Red cabbage – A full head weighs about 1.5 pounds and yields around 9 cups shredded.
- Savoy cabbage – A full head also weighs roughly 1.5 pounds and yields 9 cups shredded.
Keep in mind that not all cabbage heads are exactly the same size. Heads that are on the smaller or larger ends of the spectrum may yield a couple cups less or more.
Cup Yield by Cabbage Type
| Cabbage Variety | Average Weight per Head | Average Cup Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Green cabbage | 2 pounds | 12 cups |
| Red cabbage | 1.5 pounds | 9 cups |
| Savoy cabbage | 1.5 pounds | 9 cups |
Factors Affecting Cup Yield
Several factors can affect the shredded cup yield from a head of cabbage, including:
- Variety – Heavier green cabbage heads yield more cups than lighter red or savoy varieties.
- Size – Larger heads tend to produce a greater volume when shredded.
- Core – Removing the tough inner core reduces usable cabbage but may improve texture.
- Shredding – A finer shred results in lighter, fluffier cabbage that takes up more space per pound.
- Compression – Lightly packed shredded cabbage takes up more volume than tightly packed.
The maturity of the cabbage head also impacts yield, with younger, denser heads often weighing more than older ones.
Increasing Cup Yield
To maximize the number of cups yielded from a head of cabbage, you can:
- Choose large, dense green cabbage heads which give the highest yields.
- Remove only the tough innermost core, leaving most of the head intact.
- Shred the cabbage into very fine, thin strips which take up more volume.
- Lightly pack the shredded cabbage without compression.
Weight to Volume Conversions
Besides the general cup yields provided earlier, you can use the following formulas to make weight to volume conversions for shredded cabbage:
- Green cabbage: 1 pound = 6 cups shredded
- Red cabbage: 1 pound = 4.5 cups shredded
- Savoy cabbage: 1 pound = 4.5 cups shredded
So for a 2 pound head of green cabbage, this equals 2 pounds x 6 cups per pound = 12 cups shredded. For a 1.5 pound head of red cabbage, this equals 1.5 pounds x 4.5 cups per pound = about 6.75 or 7 cups shredded.
Cabbage Weight to Volume Conversions
| Cabbage Variety | Cups per Pound |
|---|---|
| Green cabbage | 6 cups |
| Red cabbage | 4.5 cups |
| Savoy cabbage | 4.5 cups |
You can use these formulas to determine the approximate cups of shredded cabbage based on the pound weight of the head.
Tips for Measuring Shredded Cabbage
Here are some useful tips for measuring shredded cabbage by cups:
- Weigh cabbage heads to determine the approximate cup yield using the conversions above.
- For greater precision, shred cabbage first then measure out the needed cups.
- Lightly pack shredded cabbage into dry measuring cups.
- Level off the top of cabbage piles without compressing.
- For cooked cabbage, account for shrinkage – it reduces in volume when cooked.
Certain recipes may specify “tightly packed” cups of shredded cabbage. In this case, firmly press cabbage into the measuring cup without crushing it.
Common Substitutions
In a pinch, you can substitute other vegetables in place of cabbage in recipes by volume:
- 1 cup cabbage = 1 cup sliced bok choy or napa cabbage
- 1 cup cabbage = Approx. 2 cups chopped kale leaves or Swiss chard
- 1 cup cabbage = 1 cup brussels sprouts halved or quartered
For the best results, choose substitutions with a similar crisp texture and mild flavor like cabbage. Adjust seasoning if needed to balance flavors.
Cooking Tips
Here are some handy cabbage cooking tips:
- Sauteing: Cook shredded cabbage in a skillet over medium-high heat until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Braising: Simmer wedges or chunks of cabbage in a small amount of liquid until very soft.
- Roasting: Toss wedges with oil and roast at 400°F until browned and tender, about 30 minutes.
- Grilling: Brush wedges with oil and grill over direct heat, turning occasionally, until lightly charred.
- Steaming: Steam wedges for 15-20 minutes until crisp-tender. Toss with lemon and dill.
Cabbage plays nicely in stir fries, soups, stews, slaws, sandwiches, wraps, and more. It pairs well with flavors like apple, caraway, cumin, garlic, onion, bacon, vinegar, and creamy or tangy sauces.
Nutrition
Cabbage is packed with beneficial nutrients including:
- Vitamin C – Immune supporting antioxidant
- Vitamin K – Important for blood clotting
- Fiber – Improves digestion and heart health
- Antioxidants – Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
- Glucosinolates – Sulfur compounds with anticancer effects
It also contains some vitamin B6, folate, potassium, manganese and other minerals. The fiber content helps fill you up, making cabbage a low-calorie choice.
Nutrition Facts for 1 Cup Raw Green Cabbage
| Calories | 22 |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Vitamin C | 54 mg |
| Vitamin K | 76 mcg |
| Folate | 23 mcg |
| Potassium | 170 mg |
| Manganese | 0.2 mg |
Conclusion
A full, untrimmed head of green cabbage yields around 12 cups shredded. For red and savoy varieties, expect approximately 9 cups per average sized head. Exact cup measurements can be determined by shredding and lightly packing the cabbage. In recipes, 1 cup of shredded cabbage can generally substitute for 1 cup of similar shredded vegetables like bok choy or brussels sprouts. With its impressive nutrient profile and mild, versatile flavor, cabbage is delicious and healthy addition to all kinds of dishes.
