Crunchy, Spicy, and Good for You: The Magic of Kimchi

I love eating, but sometimes I find myself not consuming enough fiber. Living in America, it’s easy to fall into the trap of all the bread, pasta, and proteins that surround us. I don’t know about you, but when I indulge in too many carbs or meats and neglect my fiber intake, I struggle with releasing it all. Sure, dietary supplements like prebiotics and probiotics can help, but I don’t want to rely on them for life.

“Is there no other natural way to consume the wonders of probiotics?” I often ponder while standing in the health supplement aisle. A quick Google search reveals a treasure trove of foods that can introduce these gut-friendly bacteria into our diets. The good news? We all have a unique mix of bacteria living in our guts, including probiotics! This mix can vary from person to person based on our diets, lifestyles, and even where we live. By enjoying more probiotic-rich foods, we can help keep our gut health in check and give those good bacteria a little boost!

From my research, I discovered that some of the best foods for promoting a healthy digestive system with probiotics include yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, miso, kimchi, tempeh, and natto. I thought long and hard about which of these would make for a daily dish that pairs well with just about anything. The winner? Kimchi!

Ah, kimchi—a vibrant and flavorful staple of Korean cuisine with a rich history and an endless variety of types! The most commonly enjoyed version is made from napa cabbage, which I’ll simply refer to as kimchi from here on out.

The perfect kimchi is a delightful balance of salty, sour, sweet, and spicy. It combines crisp napa cabbage and crunchy radishes, expertly fermented to create a tangy, umami-packed explosion of flavors. The salting process softens the veggies, allowing them to soak up all those delicious tastes, resulting in that juicy goodness we know as kimchi juice.

The magic blend of gochugaru (red pepper flakes), garlic, ginger, sugar, and fish sauce is mixed and massaged into the vegetables, creating a kaleidoscope of colors. The fiery reddish-orange hue from the gochugaru, the vibrant greens from the napa cabbage and garlic chives, and the earthy whites of the radishes come together in a beautiful display.

For a long time in Minnesota, finding good, authentic kimchi was a challenge. While the kimchi served in local Korean restaurants is decent, I wanted something I could enjoy at home. The jars of kimchi found in Asian markets often fell flat—watered down and lacking that satisfying burst of heat and tang that makes kimchi truly mouthwatering.

Then I heard that Costco sells kimchi, and my curiosity was piqued. Would it replicate the satisfaction of kimchi I savored in Korea? Time to find out!

The kimchi at Costco is the Jongga brand. It comes in a sizable jar for $7.99 (plus tax), which seemed reasonable. However, upon first glance, I noted the absence of bright green from the garlic chives—disappointing, but I remained hopeful. (Afterall – it is still a Korean brand’s kimchi.)

As soon as I opened the jar, the sour aroma wafted through the air, and I knew I was in for a treat. The first bite delivered that beautiful crunch, and with every chew, the tangy umami flavor exploded in my mouth. There was just enough heat to call it kimchi, and I have to admit, Jongga kimchi is pretty good. While it may not be spicy enough to overshadow the kimchi’s flavor, it’s sour enough to work well in other Korean dishes, like kimchi fried rice or kimchi stew. (Maybe someday I’ll share how I whip up those dishes using Jongga kimchi!)

Even so, I still yearned for that authentic kimchi from Korea. Finally, my prayers were answered when I discovered Seung Noh, a family that crafts all the authentic Korean dishes with the finest quality ingredients.

Seung Noh’s kimchi boasts that vibrant gochugaru color alongside the leafy greens of cabbage and garlic chives, plus the earthy white radish. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, and the juicy, spicy flavor makes you crave more. The fact that they use natural ingredients like apple and pear for sweetness instead of sugar makes me feel even better about indulging in Seung Noh’s kimchi.

Their kimchi is made fresh and sold immediately, meaning it hasn’t had time to ferment yet. While it may lack the sour tanginess at first, the umami flavor is truly outstanding, especially for those who prefer a milder taste.

For those who love the tangy kick, simply leave the kimchi at room temperature for a few days to allow it to ferment. The longer you let it sit, the tangier it will become.

At $15 for a 32oz jar, I’d say that’s a decent price, especially considering it’s homemade and authentic. The umami flavor and delightful spice have me reaching for more each time.

If you’re in Minnesota or planning a visit, I highly recommend grabbing a jar (or two) from Seung Noh. They’re located in Eagan, and you can often find them selling their fresh kimchi and other side dishes at Hmong Town in Saint Paul.

I promise you won’t be disappointed! Personally, I love pairing their freshly made kimchi with boiled or braised meat, while I enjoy the more fermented version from Jongga alongside instant ramen or grilled meat.

In a world where convenience often overshadows quality, it’s refreshing to discover that authentic flavors and health benefits can coexist in our meals. 

Whether you’re relishing the satisfying crunch of Jongga’s kimchi or savoring the homemade goodness from Seung Noh, every bite bursts with flavor and offers a wealth of probiotics, supporting our digestive health deliciously. So next time you’re in the kitchen, consider adding a side of kimchi to your meal. It’s more than just a condiment; it’s a celebration of culture, flavor, and wellness. Here’s to exploring new tastes and nourishing our bodies, one peachy bite at a time!

Peach out!