Korean Classic Cabbage Kimchi – This side dish of fermented vegetables continues to be an essential part of any Korean meal. Early kimchi dishes were relatively mild, spiced with fermented anchovies, ginger, garlic, and green onions. Koreans still use these ingredients today, but the spice most closely associated with modern kimchi is red pepper powder.

Born from the need to preserve vegetables throughout the country’s long and bitter winter months, this fermented pickled cabbage is a mandatory presence on every Korean table. Its high vitamin content and tart, slightly sour and spicy flavor is now winning many converts abroad.

Korea boasts more than two hundred types of kimchi, all rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins created by the lactic acid fermentation of cabbage, radish, and other vegetables and seafood.