Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Give it to Koreans to find innovative ways to store their Kimchi!





Did you know that Kimchi was voted one of the world's five healthiest foods by the US magazine, Health? Kimchi, a fermented cabbage dish, that is eaten with every Korean meal, is packed with essential vitamins, minerals and fiber. Due to its fermentation process, it is rich in lacto-acid bacteria. Studies have shown that Kimchi aids in digestion and may also help to prevent cancer growth.

During the months of November and December, Koreans will start making jars of Kimchi to last them during the cold winter season. In the past, they dug holes and stored kimchi in large jars to preseve its freshness during the harsh winter months. Now with technological advances, most Korean household have a Kimchi referigerator, known as "kimchi neng ja goo." These kimchi referigerators are outstanding in preserving kimchi, meats, fruits and vegetables for up to 5 times longer than a regular refrigerator. You can find them at any Korean appliance store.

Koreans have also discovered a way to store Kimchi in Space! This past April, when Korean's first astronaut, Yi So Yeon, blasted off into space, Kimchi went to space in a sealed space preserving plastic bag.

Now if they could only find a way to take the powerful odorous smell out of kimchi......