Kimchi is originally a Korean side dish made from pickled or fermented vegetables.
Usually, the napa cabbage is used to make kimchi, but sometimes radishes can also be used for the same.
For making kimchi, we can use a large variety of ingredients, including chili powder, spring onions, garlic, salted seafood, and so on.
There are many different types of kimchi, and the taste and quality also vary depending on the ingredients used while making it.
Traditionally, the Koreans make kimchi by storing them in large earthenware, which they then bury under the ground.
These are then left for a couple of weeks or months to ferment. Nowadays, we can use a kimchi refrigerator.
We can compare kimchi with pickles and fermented sauerkrauts, which we can consider as it’s western counterparts.
Even though there are many health and nutritional benefits to eating kimchi, as mentioned by Bethany Moncel, consuming bad kimchi is not good for your health as it can make you fall sick with food poisoning symptoms.
Does Kimchi Go Bad? How Long Does Kimchi Last?
As kimchi is a fermented food item, it can be kept for a long time, even upto a few years under the right conditions, without getting spoiled.
It will only ferment further, which means that the kimchi will become sourer the longer you keep it.
However, kimchi cannot continue to ferment forever, and so, it will go bad if kept for way too long or not stored properly.
When it comes to homemade kimchi, the best way to ensure that it ferments properly is to store it is to refrigerate it.
Glass jars and containers which you can tightly seal are best for this purpose.
As we don’t use any preservatives in homemade kimchi, it can only last for a few weeks to a month.
But If you like your kimchi super sour, then you can keep it for up to three months or more as the sourness is due to the fermentation process.
Store-bought kimchi sometimes contains certain preservatives, which helps it to last a little longer than homemade kimchi.
You can keep unopened bottles or jars in cool, dry places away from sunlight, for several months without any worry of it going bad.
However, if you have opened the jar, you should store it in cool, refrigerated conditions for long-lasting results.
It is also important that the kimchi is stored away from oxygen to slow down the fermentation process.
How to Tell If Kimchi Is Bad? Kimchi Shelf Life!
As kimchi is a fermented food item, it is meant to last for a longer period.
You can decide on whether or not you would like to keep or discard your kimchi depending on how tangy you want it.
Even though different people may have different preferences when it comes to how sour kimchi should taste, there will come a time when you must throw it out into the trash.
Experts gives us some tips and pointers on how you can tell when your jar of kimchi has gone bad if-
Sometimes when there are other food contaminants in the jar, it results in the growth of mold. If the mold has spread to most parts of the kimchi, you should get rid of it.
When the kimchi starts to smell off, it is normal for kimchi to have a very tart smell; however, if it smells something other than just tart or acidic, you should throw it out.
Kimchi is supposed to taste a little funky, but if the taste becomes off-putting in a way that only happens when food starts to rot, this also means that you should no longer consume that same kimchi the next time.
Conclusion
Kimchi may be a traditional Korean dish, but it is taking over the global culinary scene.
There are so many things that people all over the world are experimenting with using kimchi.
We can find kimchi tacos and even as side dishes to French fries and many other food items these days.
Another good thing about kimchi is that not only does it make a tasty treat, but it also gives you many health benefits due to its high nutritional values.
Its high fiber content and low calories is always a welcome diet supplement.
Does Kimchi Go Bad? How Long Does Kimchi Last?
Ingredients
- Kimchi
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
- Always check for signs of spoilage before using.
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