But not all store-bought kimchi are equal. Because of the popularity of this Korean staple, supermarket shelves are now brimming with options, which makes it a little challenging to make the right selection. Perhaps you find yourself perplexed over which brand to trust or what to look for to be sure that you are getting the right and authentic, high-quality flavour that kimchi is known for.
Don't worry we got you covered here! Remember the key things to note when trying to pick out the best store-bought kimchi so you can enjoy healthy benefits and tasty flavour without hassle as follows:
Check the Ingredients
The first thing you have to do when choosing the best kimchi is read its ingredient list. Authentic kimchi will be made with nothing more than simple, wholesome ingredients like Napa cabbage or radish, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (gochugaru), green onions, and fish sauce or shrimp paste for depth of flavour. You shouldn't find artificial preservatives, flavours, or extremely high sugar in any quality kimchi. A short, natural ingredients list is a good sign the kimchi was prepared in the traditional way.
Vegetarians and vegans should be extra careful about fish sauce or shrimp paste, as many types of kimchi contain these for umami flavour. Fortunately, they can also find plant-based versions using seaweed or mushrooms as alternatives.
Level of Fermentation
Being a living, fermented food, much of the taste and health benefits can be dependent on fermentation. When you buy kimchi, you should also pay attention to how long it has undergone its fermentation process. Fresh kimchi will have a crunchy texture with a mild flavour, whereas longer-fermented kimchi is more tart and sour in taste with a softer texture.
If you prefer it crunchier, go for some that have been fermented for a shorter period. For a sharper, sour taste, you can go for one that has had longer fermentation time. Sometimes, you can just check the packaging-on some brands, they indicate how long or how much it was fermented or even when it was produced.
Flavour Profile and Heat Level
Kimchi comes in a ton of different flavours from relatively mild to altogether too spicy. Commercially purchased varieties may be available in varying levels of heat for your palate. Traditionally kimchi is more spicy because it contains Korean red pepper flakes known as gochugaru; people like different amounts of heat so not many enjoy extreme heat.
When deciding on buying kimchi, think about your intentions of using it. For direct consumption out of a jar, you probably want something mildly spicy. A spicier one is wonderful for cooking or to add that depth of flavour in soups and stews. Check the label or product description for a clue on the spice level.
Texture Matters
Another aspect of the pleasure from eating kimchi lies in its texture. While good kimchi should still have crisp vegetables, there is also a component that comes through in the form of slight softness from fermenting. A store-bought version may be too mushy if it has over-fermented or dry if it hasn't been prepared with enough liquid or brine.
To achieve the correct texture for your kimchi, inspect products that contain the right amount of brine in the packaging. The vegetables should look fresh, not wilted and soggy. For crunchier kimchi, the Napa cabbage or radish based one is a good option.
Find the Right Brand
Lastly, the brand matters. Some specialise in Korean food, and therefore are likely to provide good-quality authentic kimchi. Always helpful to read reviews or seek advice from people who have tried different brands.
Organically sourced, traditionally prepared ingredients should go into kimchi. Brands that ferment their kimchi in smaller batches are very likely going to produce better texture and flavour than mass-produced ones.