Does it need checking? Yes. White cabbage is sometimes infested in the USA and mostly infested in Israel. (Rav Moshe Vaya) Separate the leaves, soak and agitate them, then check the water for bugs.
Rav Vaya’s rating
| USA | ★ | sometimes infested (mi’ut hamatzui) |
| Israel | ★★ | mostly infested (muchzak b’negiut) |
Rav Moshe Vaya, Bedikat HaMazon K’Halacha, Degree of Infestation chart, p. 937 (White Cabbage)
Which bugs
- Small bugs that come off the leaves and float in the soaking water.
- OU Kosher’s chart names them: thrips or cabbageworms, most often in the outermost six leaves.
How to check
- Separate the leaves. It is best to take off all the leaves; at least take off the seven outer leaves.
- Soak the separated leaves in water with a little soap for a few minutes, and agitate them.
- Move the leaves to clean water without soap. Agitate them again while the leaves are separated in the water.
- Take the leaves out and check the water for bugs.
- With everything out of the water, take a close look at the water. Small bugs float in it, so this check is needed.
Watch
Pictures
Sources
- Rav Moshe Vaya, Bedikat HaMazon K’Halacha, Degree of Infestation chart, p. 937 (rating).
- OU Kosher: thrips or cabbageworms, most often in the outermost six leaves. Discard loose leaves, core the cabbage and split it in half. Peel 3 layers and check these 6 leaves on both sides under direct light. If 1-2 insects are found, check another layer. If the last three layers were clean and the rest is tightly packed, wash the rest well and use it. If 3 or more insects are found, wash and check the remaining leaves. (Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Chart)
- cRc: remove the outer 4 leaves and discard them. Rinse the remaining leaves well, front and back, under a stream of water. (Fruits & Vegetables Checking Guide)
Related
References: OU Kosher — Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Chart (PDF) · cRc — Fruits & Vegetables Checking Guide
