What is kimchi?
Kimchi is a Korean dish of fermented vegetables, most often napa cabbage and radish, seasoned with chili, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce. It has been a part of the Korean diet for thousands of years and is found on almost every dining table in Korea. The result is a tangy, spicy, and crisp flavor experience that livens up most dishes.
What does kimchi taste like?
Kimchi is a flavor explosion. It's tangy from the fermentation, spicy from the chili, salty, and full of umami. The texture varies from crisp and fresh in young kimchi to softer and more robust in well-aged kimchi. The longer it ferments, the sourer and deeper the taste becomes.
Is kimchi healthy?
Kimchi is considered one of the world's healthiest foods. Because it is fermented, it contains live lactic acid bacteria that are beneficial for gut flora. Additionally, it is low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants from the vegetables and spices. However, it is quite salty, so it is best enjoyed in moderation.
How to use kimchi
- As a side dish: A classic accompaniment to rice and Korean dishes.
- Kimchi fried rice: Fried rice with kimchi, egg, and spring onion.
- Kimchi jjigae: A warming stew with kimchi, tofu, and pork.
- As a topping: Try a little kimchi in a burger, on eggs, or in a grilled cheese sandwich.
Why use mature kimchi?
Older kimchi that has become a bit too sour to eat raw is gold in cooking. The heat rounds off the tartness and adds a deep, complex flavor to stews and fried rice. Therefore, never throw away kimchi that has gotten a bit old; it's actually at its best for warm dishes then.
Storage
Kimchi continues to ferment in the refrigerator, so the taste changes over time. Keep it submerged in the liquid in the jar and use clean utensils, and it will last for many weeks, often months.
Try kimchi from FUDI
At FUDI, you'll find kimchi and everything you need to make it yourself, such as gochugaru, fish sauce, and Korean radish. Whether you want it ready-made or prefer to make your own, kimchi is an easy way to add more flavor and nutrition to your everyday meals.