Kimchi 101: What is Kimchi and How to Make and Store It

Kimchi is an iconic dish that is best known for its tangy and spicy flavours, which have gained popularity and delighted taste buds worldwide. Hailing from Korea originally (like LG itself!), kimchi is a traditional dish made from fermented vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage and Korean radishes, seasoned with a variety of spices and ingredients, like chilli, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce.

Whether used as a side dish or as an ingredient to elevate a dish, there is a wide array kimchi uses that make it such a popular dish both in Korea and internationally.

Some of the most popular kimchi dishes include kimchi stew (kimchi jjigae), kimchi pancakes (kimchijeon), and kimchi fried rice (kimchi bokkeumbap).

• Draw the moisture from the vegetables: To make kimchi, you must first cover the vegetables in salt to draw out any moisture. This not only helps in the fermentation process, but it also gives kimchi its crunchy texture.

• Add the seasoning Paste: The seasoning paste is a crucial part of the kimchi-making process as it gives kimchi it’s unique flavour. Kimchi paste is typically made up of: 
  • Gochugaru (Korean red chili pepper flakes): To provide colour and spiciness. These can be found in your local Asian supermarket! While not as authentic, paprika, chilli powder or chilli flakes can be used if you can’t find any gochugaru.
  • Garlic: To add pungency and depth of flavour.
  • Ginger: Which offers a spicy, slightly sweet flavour.
  • Fish sauce or salted shrimp: Contributes to the umami flavour and aids fermentation.
  • Sugar: Balances the flavours and helps with fermentation.
  • Spring onions and carrots: Add texture and additional flavours.

• Fermentation: Once the vegetables are salted, and covered in the paste, they are then tightly packed into jars or containers. Once packed away, the kimchi should be left to ferment at room temperature for a few days to a week, depending on the desired level of fermentation. 

After this initial period, kimchi is should be stored in the refrigerator, where it continues to ferment slowly.

Kimchi has been around for over two thousand years! It is a dish that is rooted deeply in Korean culture.

Originally, kimchi was developed as a method to preserve vegetables during the harsh Korean winters. Thanks to its delicious flavour, kimchi has evolved into a versatile staple in Korean cuisine.

Kimchi has become increasingly popular all over the world alongside the global popularity of Korean culture, often referred to as the "Korean Wave" or "Hallyu." Korean culture is enjoyed all over the world, through K-pop, K-dramas, Korean films, and of course, Korean cuisine!

Nowadays, kimchi is seen in shops and restaurants all over the world, being used creatively in both Korean and non-Korean dishes alike.

So, why is kimchi healthy? Kimchi, like other fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and kombucha, is a rich source of probiotics, vitamins and antioxidants. Kimchi is great for gut health and is considered to be a superfood by many health experts and enthusiasts alike, thanks to the wide array of health benefits associated with it.  

Some of these health benefits of kimchi include:

1. Nutritional value

Kimchi is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, iron, and dietary fibre. The fermentation process enhances its nutritional profile, making it a great source of probiotics.

2. Digestive health

The probiotics found in kimchi, particularly lactobacilli, are beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion. Eating kimchi regularly can help alleviate digestive issues and improve overall gut health.

3. Immune system support

The high levels of antioxidants and probiotics in kimchi can help to build up a stronger immune system. The garlic and ginger used in kimchi also provide anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, further boosting immunity.

Proper storage of kimchi is essential to maintain its flavour, texture, and nutritional benefits. Here are some tips to keep your kimchi fresh:

Kimchi should be stored in a cool, dark place, ideally a refrigerator, at a temperature between 0°C to 4°C. This temperature range slows down the fermentation process, allowing the kimchi to retain its taste and texture for a longer period. 

Temperature plays a huge part in the fermentation process. Warmer temperatures can cause the kimchi to ferment too fast, which can lead to over-fermentation, which causes a sour taste.

By keeping your kimchi at the recommended temperature range, it ensures a balanced and controlled fermentation that does not impact the delicate flavour of the dish!

When stored in the fridge, kimchi can last between 3 to 6 months up to a year, and sometimes even longer! With time, the kimchi will continue to ferment, deepening its rich flavour.

Most people find that the flavour of kimchi is best within the first 3 to 6 months, but as long as it is stored properly and shows no signs of spoilage (mould, a foul or rotten smell, or an overly slimy and mushy texture), it is safe to eat for longer. 

Kimchi should be stored in airtight containers to stop exposure to air, which can spoil the kimchi. Glass jars, or specialised kimchi containers are ideal. But anything with an air-tight seal will work. Once the kimchi is in the container, make sure that it is completely submerged in its brine to maintain its quality and prevent mould growth or spoilage.

If properly stored, your kimchi can last for several months, with its flavour deepening over time.

Quality refrigeration is crucial for preserving the freshness and enhancing the fermentation of kimchi. 

Here are a few LG Fridge models that are equipped with advanced cooling technologies, customisable storage options, moisture control, and many more innovative design features that make them particularly well-suited for storing kimchi, as well as an array of other foods.

The LG GMB844PZ4E Slim Multi-Door Fridge Freezer is a great choice for storing food, particularly fermented foods like kimchi, because of its advanced temperature control technologies and specialised freshness features.

Some of the key features of the LG GMB844PZ4E Slim Multi-Door Fridge Freezer include:

• LINEARCooling™: Reduces temperature fluctuations within the fridge, which is essential for preserving fermented and fresh foods alike. 
• DoorCooling+™: Ensures even cooling throughout the fridge, preventing temperature fluctuations that could affect fermentation.
• NatureFRESH™: Designed to keep vegetables and fruits at optimal humidity levels, this feature is also great for storing kimchi and other fermented foods that require specific moisture conditions.
• Moist Balance Crisper: Also helps to maintain the right moisture balance, preventing excess moisture that can spoil fermented foods.
• Inverter Linear Compressor: Provides efficient cooling with less energy consumption and reduced noise, creating a stable environment for food storage.
• LG ThinQ™ Technology: Allows remote control and monitoring of the fridge, ensuring the ideal conditions are maintained even when you're away.

The LG GMZ765STHJ InstaView™ 750L Multi-Door Fridge Freezer is another great option for storing food, particularly fermented foods like kimchi, thanks precise temperature control, optimal humidity levels, and designated compartments, all of which are essential for preserving fermented foods.

Some of the key features of the LG GMZ765STHJ InstaView™ 750L Multi-Door Fridge Freezer include:

• InstaView™: Allows you to see inside the fridge without opening the door, reducing temperature fluctuations that may impact the fermentation process.
• Smart Fresh Air: Analyses fridge usage patterns and activates increased cooling before your peak usage times to maintain optimal temperature and freshness for your food.
• Door Cooling+™: Uses air vents within the fridge to maintain cold temperatures in the fridge to ensure your fermented foods, like kimchi, are properly preserved, as well as keeping produce fresh. 
• LinearCooling™: Reduces temperature fluctuations within the fridge, which is essential for preserving fermented and fresh foods alike.
• Pure N Fresh Filter: Minimises odours, ensuring that the distinct smell of fermented foods like kimchi does not affect other items in the fridge.

The LG GBB61DSJEN Total No Frost (Frost Free) 341L Tall Fridge Freezer has a wide range of advanced cooling technologies that make it a great choice for storing food, particularly fermented foods like kimchi.

Some of the key features of the LG GBB61DSJEN Total No Frost (Frost Free) 341L Tall Fridge Freezer include:

• NatureFRESH™: Manages humidity within the fridge, which helps keep maintain fresh fruit, vegetables and other produce while almost preserving fermented food like kimchi. 
• DoorCooling+™: Provides 32%  faster and even cooling throughout the fridge, preventing temperature fluctuations that could affect the quality of fermented foods.
• FRESHBalancer™: Keeps vegetables and fruits at optimal humidity levels, which is beneficial for storing kimchi and other fermented foods that require specific moisture conditions.
• Moist Balance Crisper™: Maintains the right moisture balance, preventing excess moisture that can spoil fermented foods, while keeping your fresh produce crisp for longer.
• Hygiene Fresh+™: An advanced air filter that helps reduce bacteria and odours, ensuring that the distinct smell of fermented foods like kimchi does not permeate other items in the fridge.

The LG GMV960NNME MoodUP™ 617L Multi-Door Fridge Freezer is not only the perfect fridge to pump up the party, thanks it’s colour changing LED lighting settings, it’s also great for storing and preserving food thanks to advanced cooling technologies, precise temperature control, and dedicated storage solutions ensure that fermented foods are kept in optimal conditions.

Some of the key features of the LG GMV960NNME MoodUP™ 617L Multi-Door Fridge Freezer include:

• InstaView™ Door-in-Door: Allows you to see inside the fridge without opening the door, reducing temperature fluctuations and maintaining a stable environment crucial for fermentation.
• LinearCooling™: Maintains a consistent temperature within ±0.5°C, ensuring a stable environment for storing delicate fermented foods.
• Inverter Linear Compressor: Provides efficient cooling with less energy consumption and reduced noise, creating a stable environment for food storage.
• LG ThinQ™ Technology: Allows remote control and monitoring of the fridge, ensuring the ideal conditions are maintained even when you're away.
• LED Lighting: Offers clear visibility, making it easy to locate and access stored items quickly.

For more food storage tips from LG UK, check out our guide on how to store food in the fridge like an expert.