(BPT)-From BTS to squid games, Korean culture is now popular. Except for K-Pop and K-Drama, most of the hot discussion comes from the unique flavor of Korean cuisine-kimchi is the key. If you pay attention to the latest cooking shows, recipes and budding restaurants, you will find kimchi everywhere, for good reason-its refreshing and crunchy texture and spicy, rich "umami" attract many flavors. And it is also known to be good for health. In an era when Korean culture is booming and plant-based dishes are all the rage, the popularity of kimchi has soared.
What is the trend of kimchi? Jongga brand kimchi accounts for more than 60% of the kimchi exported from South Korea to the United States, and it is reported that these exports have increased by more than 20% in the past three years alone.
"We are surprised by the growing popularity of this traditional Korean staple food," said Brian Tompkins, vice president of sales and marketing at Jongga kimchi maker Daesang America. "We are happy to share it with foodies and food lovers all over the world."
This is a quick guide to kimchi, how to use it-and how to try this food phenomenon yourself!
Cabbage (baechu or napa cabbage) is the core of kimchi, but you can add other vegetables to make your own kimchi. Vegetables commonly used in kimchi include:
In addition to vegetables, there are seasonings and fermentation processes. The top seasonings used in kimchi include:
Most chefs also add fish sauce and/or saeujeot (fermented shrimp), which can be skipped if you want a vegetarian diet.
The unique flavor of kimchi comes from the lactic acid fermentation process, which is how foods such as sauerkraut and dill kimchi are made. Due to increasing interest in the health benefits of probiotics (produced by fermentation) that are beneficial to intestinal health, fermented foods are now also very popular.
To make kimchi, the cabbage is layered in salt for several hours. After the cabbage is rinsed, all the other ingredients are mixed and put in a container, and then fermented at room temperature for a few days or longer. Kimchi can also be eaten fresh, skipping the fermentation step.
Sound complicated and time-consuming? Although the kimchi making process may seem daunting, there is an easier way: buy kimchi that has been made with traditional ingredients and has various delicious combinations.
For example, Jongga offers a variety of kimchi products, including:
Check out these and other kimchi products on JonggaUSA.com.
To incorporate the unique taste of kimchi into an interesting new recipe, try one of these easy to prepare dishes.
This fun omelette sandwich is even more delicious with bacon or sausage-make it your own!
Cooking time: 15 minutes; make 3 servings
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil 1 tablespoon onions, chopped 1 cup tomatoes, chopped oregano salt to taste 1/2 cup Jongga pickles, chopped 6 eggs 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped 6 slices of toast
Heat a large saucepan with oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and kimchi, season with salt and oregano. Stir well, simmer for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened and reduced. Beat eggs on the sauce. Continue to cook for 5 minutes or until the eggs are cooked to your liking. Serve with green onions and toast.
You can also try these recipes to make cheese kimchi stuffed potatoes or kimchi, which is a delicious kimchi pancake.
Find kimchi products online or nearby on JonggaUSA.com.
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