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Kimchi - a Korean tradition |
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Kimchi and Toenjang paste made of soybeans are the best known examples of Korean fermented foods, and these have recently become highly valued for their disease-prevention effects
Wander through the streets of Seoul, Pusan or Inchon in the warmer months and the aroma of fermented vegetables will overpower you. The renowned and most popular of Korea traditional dishes is Kimchi. Kimchi and Toenjang paste made of soybeans are the best known examples of Korean fermented foods, and these have recently become highly valued for their disease-prevention effects.
In the past, Koreans used to prepare kimchi as a substitute for fresh vegetables during the freezing cold winter months. Today, housewives still prepare a large amount of winter kimchi, somewhere from late November through early December. This nationwide event is called kimjang.
The introduction of red pepper from Europe, through Japan, in the 17th century brought a major innovation to kimchi and to the Korean diet in general. There are now more than 160 kimchi varieties differentiated by reion and ingredients. Kimchi is the basic side dish at every Korean meal; it is also an ingredient in other popular dishes such as kimchi stew, kimchi pancakes, kimchi fried rice and kimchi ramyon.
Kimchi is now gaining popularity worldwide for its nutritional value and disease-prevention effect.
Korean Table Settings & Manners
Korean families usually eat rice, soup, and three to four dishes, including kimchi. Fro each person's left are arranged rice, soup, spoon and chopsticks, while stews and side dishes are placed in the centre to be shared by all members.
Koreans use a spoon to eat rice, soup and stews; and chopsticks for rather dry sidedishes, but spoon and chopsticks are not used simultaneously. Koreans also do not hold their plates and bowls while eating. When the meal is over, the soon and chopsticks are placed back where they were.
Koreans generally believe that sharing food from one bowl makes a relationship closer. In the olden days, talking was not allowed at the dinner table, but today, eating etiquette has become more liberal. Chopsticks may even be used for rice.
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