The Korean Superfood: Kimchi and Its Health Benefits
So what is kimchi?
“Kimchi” is essentially the process in which vegetables have been salted, seasoned and fermented, which was originally a way of preserving vegetables for the winter months. There are hundreds of varieties of kimchi in Korea.
The most common kimchi is made with cabbage, traditionally napa cabbage, although carrot, radish, cucumber, onion, ginger, garlic, apple and pear are also often used.
It keeps for a long time, making it an economical, versatile and easy-to-prepare food to keep in the fridge.
Uses Kimchi
In Korean culture, kimchi is served with almost every meal, including breakfast. It is not only eaten as a side dish or appetizer, but is also used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes. Kimchi jjigae, a traditional kimchi stew, is perhaps one of its most popular uses.
What does it taste like?
The flavor of kimchi is complex and varies greatly depending on the recipe.
The main flavor notes you'll find in kimchi include sour, spicy, sweet, and umami. The taste will also vary depending on the vegetables you choose, the length of fermentation and the amount of salt or sugar used.
Health benefits
Kimchi is considered the superfood of longevity!
· Choline, found in kimchi, is a natural compound vital to maintaining your cells, muscles, nervous system, and even your mood. Choline is also important for maintaining your memory.
· It is rich in vitamin K, which helps blood clot and prevents bones from becoming brittle.
· Kimchi is a fermented food, which makes it an excellent probiotic. The same lactobacilli bacteria found in yogurt and other fermented dairy products are also found in kimchi.· Kimchi is packed with beta-carotene and other antioxidant compounds that can help reduce the risk of serious health conditions such as stroke, cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
· It is also a great resource of: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folic acid, B carotene, Choline, Potassium, Calcium
What does kimchi go well with?
Some of the most popular and delicious kimchi recipes that we would definitely recommend you to try:
- Fried rice with kimchi
- Kimchi soup
- Kimchi stew
- Kimchi pancake
- Udon with kimchi
- Somen with kimchi
- Sandwiches, burgers and pizza with kimchi
Here is the recipe to make your own homemade kimchi ---> Recipe
Find all our kimchi products here!