Category: Kimchi

According to a 2023 review in the *Journal of Ethnic Foods*, fermented kimchi consumption is linked to a wide range of health benefits, including improved blood glucose, heart health, and gut microbiome diversity. However, significant differences can exist between homemade and commercial versions, raising questions about whether store-bought kimchi offers the same nutritional value as its homemade counterpart.

Kimchi is a traditional Korean staple, celebrated for its unique tangy and spicy flavor profile, but one common question remains: does kimchi have pork in it? The answer is that traditional kimchi, in its purest form, does not contain pork; however, the dish is very commonly served alongside or cooked with pork in Korean cuisine.

Over 180 recognized varieties of kimchi exist, and a significant number of traditional recipes do include seafood as a key ingredient for flavor development. The presence of seafood in kimchi is often what provides its characteristic deep, savory flavor, which can vary depending on the region and the type of seafood used.