Kimchi is Korea’s unique ethnic food, and historical records showed that kimchi was invented around 4,000 years ago (ref. Science Direct). Fermented food, Kimchi is packed with vitamins and minerals with several health benefits including better gut health. Lactobacilli bacteria is found in Kimchi, which is what makes it an excellent probiotic. Here are some fun facts to impress your colleagues, friends, and family with when it comes to Kimchi:
- An average Korean consumes about 40-57 pounds of Kimchi a year. It is an essential side dish served with almost every meal.
- Kimchi has been taken to space by Yi So Yeon, South Korea’s first astronaut. South Korea spent millions of dollars to create Kimchi that would be suitable for consume-in space.
- There are over 200 types of Kimchi and with that many variants, not every Korean has tried them all.
- Kimchi may aid weight loss and also help reduce body weight, body fat, and blood sugar levels.
- Most Koreans have a special kimchi fridge with a more humid environment and less moving air to help maintain the freshness.
- Taking photos in Korea? Don’t say cheese, say Kimchi! Many South Koreans go with Smile, Whiskey, or LG.
- A kimchi museum was named one of the world’s best food museums by CNN
Curious about more fun facts? Check out K-Pop Foods or Hey Explorer.
