Kim Chi: Korea’s National Treasure
Packed with vitamins, fat free, and beloved far and wide.
I might never have tried this unique food if I hadn’t been of Korean descent. After all, I was adopted as an infant by a Caucasian American family who never ate it before and was only introduced to it by a Korean American childhood friend. Or maybe I would’ve, who knows? But, sometimes I truly think my affinity for Kim Chi has something to do with genetic cravings. Either way, I love Kim Chee, a dish that is often also spelled Kim Chi and gimchi. This article is for those of you who may or may not have had the pleasure of trying it.
It’s a national treasure in Korea!
It was pretty surprising to discover that not only is it a condiment-like, side dish served with every meal, it’s actually considered a precious gift to their country. In fact, it’s so beloved that there is a museum in Seoul dedicated to approximately 187 different versions of Kim Chi. It’s called the Kimchi Field Museum. The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) even created Kim Chi that could be eaten in space for the first ever Korean Astronaut!
What is Kim Chi exactly?
While there are many different forms of Kim Chi, essentially it consists of vegetables (mainly cabbage) that have been pickled in red chili peppers, garlic and salt. Some other common seasons are ginger, fish sauce and onions. Typically it’s spicy, but is also found in very sweet variations.
Is it healthy?
It’s considered one of the “World’s Healthiest Foods” by Health magazine for its remarkable ability to aid digestion, its high vitamin levels and its ability to even reduce cancer.
Specifically, Kim Chi is packed with Vitamin B and C, and carotene. Rich in calcium, iron, riboflavin and Vitamin A; it’s also high in fiber and pleasingly low in calorie content.
Flavor varies by region.
The flavorings for Kim Chi vary understandably by region. The variations found in North Korea tend to have a more watery consistency whereas the southern versions are made with more chili peppers, salt and anchovy or shrimp flavoring.
Popular Kim Chi dishes
Some of the most popular types of Kim Chi are baechu (Chinese cabbage), ggakdugi, made with radishes, and oisobagi made with cucumbers. Kim Chi is also commonly served in certain main dishes as well. Foods like Kim Chi fried rice and Kim Chi stew are widely enjoyed popular meals in the Korean culture. Kim Chi stew is often served with pork, tuna and other vegetables as well.
Enjoy!
Joie Schmidt © Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved.
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Liked it
Deep Blue | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
I’ve tasted a variation of these and they really have that unique taste that wouldn’t get you bloated for no reason. Being vegetables they’re cholesterol free, thankfully.
Daisy Peasblossom | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
Sounds yummy!
Katie Marie | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
I have a friend of Korean descent who has often mentioned her love for this. I wonder if she knows of all the different varieties. Thanks for sharing.
Christine Ramsay | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
I have never tasted them, but they do sound good.
Christine
lowellpendon | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
the looks of it is perfectly delicious.
Annie Hintsala | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
Good article, but I have to disagree with you about the taste. I am not a Kim chi fan. Maybe I just haven’t had any that was well made.
Keerthana | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
nice information, but i have never tasted it… sounds good..
Kairos | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
It brought back memories. I studied in Korea for two years. I also happened to visit Eastern Homes, maybe you are familiar with that.Korean visit is not complete without eating kim-chi! all kinds of kim-chi. it warded of colds.
chris73 | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
I would like to taste it, i am always courious
goodselfme | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
Thank you for introducing me to Kim cai.
Will Gray | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
Sounds great! I love trying new healthy things to eat! Thanks and God Bless!
Inna Tysoe | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
I never heard of it before but it sounds delicious.
Inna
rutherfranc | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
you brought back memories of isaw, fishball, kikiam, squidball on a stick bought from the sidewalks of Philippine towns.. thanks for sharing..
clay hurtubise | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
Yummy. I’l check it out.
Thanks,
clay
Judy Sheldon | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
If it’s listed in WHF’s we know it’s good for us! Thanks for the information. I have been curious about this dish, now I won’t be afraid to try it.
Gon pincha | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
It looks yummy ;p
Thanks for sharing.
Love, Gon.
CHAN LEE PENG | Jun 8, 2009 | Reply
Kim chi is nutritious. If you’ve watched a korean movie, you’ll come to understand the culture and origin of eating kimchi.
California Dreamer | Jun 8, 2009 | Reply
Interesting, its is always nice at times to try foods from other cultures. I have learned that from my friends from India. This does sound as if it might be good, will have to see if can get family to give it a try one night, thanks
Unofre Pili | Jun 8, 2009 | Reply
I have tasted it; it has a distinctive taste.
STEVE666 | Jun 8, 2009 | Reply
Good articule, tho I doubt I’d be able to get it at my local deli.
Ruby Hawk | Jun 8, 2009 | Reply
I have never eaten Kim chi but I have read about it. It seems very similar to the chow chow my mother made with cabbage, cucumbers, onions and peppers.
gayle n | Jun 8, 2009 | Reply
Thank you so much for this articulate, informative article. I have enjoyed kimchi for a long time too–growing up as a kid in Korea and then again as an adult. I never knew the health benefits of kimchi! Keep up the good work. I plan on reading your article on seaweed too!
Poetic Enigma | Jun 8, 2009 | Reply
Sounds like another great healthy food to add to your diet,
great article! Thanks for sharing (:
Launie and Melynda Sorrels | Jun 8, 2009 | Reply
Kim Chi is so yummy! Too bad as much as it aggrees with my palate, my breath always seems to betray me. For the sake of those I love and are near to me, I haven’t had it in years…but now I have a craving
Watch out family!
ActionSammy | Jun 10, 2009 | Reply
I tried kimchi once while in Korea years and years ago….it made me horribly sick! But I love most other Korean dishes, especially Korean Barbeque….I can eat that for HOURS!!
OhSugar | Jun 21, 2009 | Reply
Looks dilicious. I enjoy learning about different cultures and their customs.
Chris Stonecipher | Aug 2, 2009 | Reply
I like Kim Chi. I tried it before someone told me what I was eating. Bless you,
Chris
Roxanne Jordan | Oct 15, 2009 | Reply
My brother just sent me a jar of “Mother-In-Law’s” Kim Chi from New York. Wonderful! I like it with hot buttered rice or noodles.