Baek Kimchi

A Clean and Refreshing Taste of Kimchi

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Baek Kimchi is a type of Kimchi that is made without chili flakes, resulting in a clean and subtle flavour. Despite not using chili, the fresh ingredients maintain their natural taste, making it a refreshing dish that pairs well with almost any season and any meal. In particular, Baek Kimchi is perfect for winter, as its crisp and clean taste complements rich or greasy foods, enhancing the overall flavour. To best preserve the clean taste of Baek Kimchi, it's recommended to use only shrimp paste for the seasoning, and strain the broth multiple times to ensure it remains clear.

Baek Kimchi: A Clean and Refreshing Taste of Kimchi

Baek Kimchi is a type of Kimchi that is made without chili flakes, resulting in a clean and subtle flavour. Despite not using chili, the fresh ingredients maintain their natural taste, making it a refreshing dish that pairs well with almost any season and any meal. In particular, Baek Kimchi is perfect for winter, as its crisp and clean taste complements rich or greasy foods, enhancing the overall flavour. To best preserve the clean taste of Baek Kimchi, it's recommended to use only shrimp paste for the seasoning, and strain the broth multiple times to ensure it remains clear.

The History and Origins of Baek Kimchi

Baek Kimchi is a traditional form of Kimchi that dates back before the introduction of chili peppers. It is believed that Kimchi, in its earliest form, was created during the Three Kingdoms period, before chili peppers were introduced. In those days, without chili, Kimchi was made by simply salting radishes or using flowers to add Colour. This early form of Kimchi is thought to be the origin of Baek Kimchi.

Changes in the Joseon Dynasty

Although chili peppers were introduced to Korea during the Joseon Dynasty, Baek Kimchi continued to be made without chili flakes, sometimes incorporating luxurious ingredients such as pears, pine nuts, dates, chestnuts, and oysters. Additionally, because the red Colour of chili peppers was believed to ward off evil spirits, Baek Kimchi was sometimes placed on ceremonial tables instead of regular Kimchi.

The Benefits of Baek Kimchi

Baek Kimchi is not spicy at all, making it a great choice for children, elderly individuals, and those who need to avoid spicy foods for health reasons. It is also especially popular with foreigners who are not fond of the strong, spicy flavour of traditional Kimchi.

Baek Kimchi offers the clean, refreshing taste of traditional Kimchi without the heat, making it a healthy and enjoyable option for anyone. The natural flavour of the ingredients shine through, and it continues to be loved as a classic Korean dish even today.