Gracious. What a lot of work.
I know I should, but I don’t can. :(
IIRC, Mom used to use the outer leaves to line the bottom of the pot; and aimed for the more tender, inner leaves.
I tried growing my own cabbage last year; it wasn’t too successful b/c I got it in late, and had to harvest it B4 its time [community garden deadline rules]; but I will try again.
And no, that isn’t my momma/babushka. :)
(smile) I grew up being taught that every good leaf is precious. The darker outer leaves have more flavor in the final dish too. The canning is no trouble, takes 15 minutes for either a quart or a pint. I have been canning every year since I was 18 now 66. Yikes! Less quantities now and some things I do every other year and make 2 years worth. Like pickled beets and blueberry preserves. Canning is fun and satisfying. Love opening up a jar in the middle of a cold winter. I don’t grow my own cabbage. Just buy the 8 or 9 heads at the same time.