Kimchi - Easy to Learn (Craving Corner 06)

Author: Lian Aiqing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Pickled and fermented vegetables, which are commonly eaten, are not considered high-end dishes in Taiwanese cuisine, yet they are loved by most. The main reason is related to Taiwan's hot climate. In Taiwan's early agricultural society, people were mostly poor and engaged in heavy labor, sweating a lot. Therefore, their taste preference leaned towards heavy and appetizing flavors, which was another factor that made pickled foods a good way to replenish energy for work. Additionally, without refrigerators back then, grandmothers and mothers used salt, vinegar, chili, and chili powder—materials with antibacterial and preservative properties—to make various pickled and fermented dishes, such as "pickled vegetables" and "tofu."
In the past, when walking through rural areas, it was common to see women drying radish strips, salted gourds, and other vegetables in open spaces in front of their homes. These naturally pickled or fermented foods, when paired with various ingredients, produced a captivating flavor that remains alluring to this day. That's why they have not faded over the centuries, especially the pickled dishes made by Taiwanese Hakka people, which are truly unique in flavor.
The author of this book shares their insights into making traditional pickled and fermented vegetables while also innovating unique homemade pickled dishes based on the characteristics of different ingredients. In addition to teaching readers how to make 6 versatile pickling brines that can be used to pickle over 10 delicious ingredients, the book lists 24 common and popular pickled and fermented dishes, such as sauerkraut, homemade gluten, Korean kimchi, and peeled chili peppers. It provides detailed instructions and knowledge, and even includes 10 delicious homemade pickled dishes with unique flavors.
If you want to avoid chemical preservatives and enjoy delicious, natural food, then let's come together to preserve the classic, rich flavors!