Kimchi

Kimchi:

About:

Kimchi, a staple in Korean cuisine , is a traditional side dish made from salted and fermented vegetables, most commonly nappa cabbage and Korean radishes with a variety of seasonings including chili powder,m scallions , garlic, ginger, and jeatgal (salted seafood).   There are hundreds of varieties of kimchi made from different vegetables as the main ingredient.  In traditional preparations kimchi was stored underground in jars to keep It cool, and then unfrozen in the winter months.  Today kimchi refrigerators are more commonly used to make kimchi.

Kimchi is served at every meal , either alone or mixed with rice or noodles.  Kimchi is used in everything from soups to pancakes and as a topping on pizza and burgers.   As part of a high fiber, low fat diet, kimchi has kept obesity ast bay in Korea. 

Native Koreans say, "Kimchi!" when they are having their picture taken instead of "cheese". 

History:

The origin of Kimchi dates back at least to the early period of the 3 Kingdoms (37BC - 7AD).  Fermented foods were widely available, as Records of the Three Kingdoms, a Chinese historical text published in 289AD mentions.   A 23003 article in the Los Angeles Times reported that South Koreans consume 40 pounds of kimchi per person annually. 

Nutrition:

Kimchi is loaded with vitamins A, B, and C.  It's biggest benefit may be its healthy bacteria, called lactobacilli found in fermented foods such as kimchi and yogurt.  This good bacteria helps with digestion.  Some studies have shown that fermented cabbage has compounds that may help prevent the growth of cancer.  Kimchi is made of various vegetables and contains a high concentration of dietary fiber while being low in calories.  One serving of kimchi provides 50% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C  and carotene.  Most types of kimchi contain onion, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers.  Kimchi is rich in vitamin A, thiamine (B1), and riboflavin (B).

Health Benefits:

Health benefits of kimchi:

•  Promotes digestion, source of probiotics
• Regulates cholesterol
• Antioxidant Properties with phenols and flavonoids
• Treats atopic dermatitis's
• Helps with weight loss 
• Boosts immune system
• Has anti-aging properties
• Prevents cancer
• Treats diabetes - study shows better glucose tolerance, and lower fasting glucose

Ways to Use Kimchi:

1. Add kimchi to scrambled eggs
2. Layer kimchi on grilled chicken 
3. Whip kimchi into develed eggs
4. Put kimchi into tacos
5. Stir kimchi into fried rice
6. Stuff kimchi into a quesadilla
7. Put kimchi on a pizza
8. Top a rice bowl with kimchi

Prepared kimchi is available in your local supermarket.  While you can make it yourself, that is for after you've tried it and know you like it.