Pickling preserves food, and kimchi is a Korean dish that uses this process to enhance the taste and lifespan of ingredients like cabbage, adding a unique sweet and sour twist
It’s National Pickle Month, and now is the time to celebrate the culinary delight that has tickled our taste buds for thousands of years. Pickles are popular worldwide, with different cultures focusing on different vegetables and recipes. From the tangy pickled garlic enjoyed in many Asian cuisines to the crisp pickled cucumbers of Europe, and the spicy pickled jalapenos popular in Mexican dishes, the variety of pickled side dishes is vast around the world.
South Korea’s beloved Kimchi stands out as a flavorful counterpart that is often made with cabbage and has a sweet and spicy flavor rather than a savory sour combination the Western audience is used to. Over the past few years, Kimchi has gained immense popularity outside of Korea and is becoming a worldwide delicacy with new variants of the original kimchi recipe popping up around the globe.
Contrary to Popular Belief, Kimchi is a Pickle
Pickles are a relish of a particular food preserved in vinegar or brine. When most people think of a pickle they think of a cucumber in a jar, although in Korea the definition is different. Korea’s most beloved pickle is not created with cucumbers. The original cabbage kimchi, along with its various subcategories, is Korea’s most beloved pickle. Its recipes are continually expanding to include new fruits, vegetables, seafood dishes and more.
Kimchi is the cornerstone of Korean cuisine and symbolizes Korea’s rich cultural heritage. Its unique flavor and variety of health benefits, such as its probiotics and vitamins, have made it a beloved staple in Korea. Kimchi comes in a wide variety of vegetables and styles such as Baechu Kimchi, Kkagdugi, Dongchimi and Oi Sobagi, with each offering its unique taste and features. In addition, the food pairs beautifully with other main dishes and side dishes to enhance the dining experience. For instance, the crisp, fresh Kimchi pairs excellently with savory dishes like Bulgogi or other grilled meat meals by balancing out the flavors and textures.
The Globalization of Kimchi
Kimchi is gaining popularity with the increasing global interest in Korean culture. The increase in popularity of K-pop and K-dramas also caused a rising interest in Korean cuisine, with kimchi at the forefront of K-content viewers’ curiosity. Ever since the Korean wave began, kimchi exports to the U.S. have increased by 30% annually, with projections to reach 13,000 tons by the end of the year. CJ Foods has been the main player in kimchi’s domestic and global exportation, bringing this fresh food to grocery stores worldwide.
CJ Foods’ brand, bibigo, provides a diverse selection of ready-to-eat kimchi, catering to newcomers and seasoned Korean food enthusiasts. Known for its high-quality, nutritious and convenient foods, bibigo delivers authentic Korean foods for everyone to enjoy. The secret to their exceptional kimchi lies in their unique fermentation techniques. One of these techniques involves using its lactobacillus species that was created after researching 500+ native lactobacillus species found in kimchi. This ensures a consistent, delicious taste throughout the year, regardless of seasonal ingredient variations.
CJ Foods’ kimchi serves as a cultural ambassador by introducing the unique flavors and benefits of this cherished Korean delicacy to a global audience and helping consumers foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Korean cuisine. So this National Pickle Month, try a new rendition of pickles with bibigo’s ready-made Kimchi products and savor the spicy taste of Korea.
