What is kimchi?

 

Kimchi is a traditional fermented Korean side dish made of vegetables with a variety of seasonings. It is often described as "spicy" or "sour". It contains probiotics that occur when the natural bacteria on cabbage—Lacto Bacilius—consume sugar and create the fizz we see when we open a jar.

 

Is it buried in the ground?

 

Kimchi is a fermented food requiring maturation. The unique tangy taste comes from fermentation at low temperatures. In traditional Korean society, large earthenware jars of kimchi were buried in the ground, with only the tops exposed, during the winter months. Fermentation was enhanced by the even temperature and heat emanating from the ground. In this sense, kimchi represents the Korean philosophy that heaven, earth and humanity are one.

 

Kimchi From Simply Seoul Kitchen is not buried in the ground; however, we use all natural ingredients and traditional practices to bring the taste of homemade and fresh Kimchi to you!

 

My kimchi expanded and fizzed when I opened it, is that ok?

 

Kimchi is a living organism, and much like champagne, when pressure builds from the continual fermentation inside the enclosed space, what you will see is expansion and bubbling—all good signs that the probiotics inside are still alive and ready to do good things for you.

 

How long does kimchi last?

 

Kimchi from Simply Seoul is completely vegan, meaning no shellfish or any animal products. Our kimchi will last up to a year after being opened, and will stay at the same level of potency for around six months. As kimchi interacts with oxygen, it starts to become more and more sour. If you find your kimchi at a level of sourness that you would not like to exceed, it is recommended that you finish the jar soon—as it will only because more soured as time passes.

 

Why is kimchi good for me?

 

Kimchi is a natural immune system booster, and is packed with probiotics, which are good bacteria that have healthful benefits for your intestinal tract. Kimchi lowers incidences of many cancers, including pancreatic and colon, and it also lowers blood pressure, incidence of heart disease, and is high in dietary fiber and low in calories. Basically, eat your kimchi!

 

How do I use kimchi?

 

Please see our ‘Recipes’ tab in the top menu for easy and fun recipes for kimchi preparation and consumption. If you’d like to share a recipe with us please e-mail Streuss.SimplySeoulKitchen@gmail.com,  for a chance to have your recipe featured on our Facebook wall!