This is one of those foods that elicits one of two distinct responses from most people. "YAAAAAAAS. LIFE." Or if you can't stand the fermentedness, the sourness, or the spice - it's a *stink face.* I'm trying not support the deterioration of English language to mere emojis, but c'mon. Stink face is pretty darn appropriate for some. And while yes I like to categorize people and things, I acknowledge that you could be indifferent. Or uninitiated. Either way, you can't deny its presence. This is the lifestuff stuff of an entire people.
While there are many many many types of kimchi, TJ's went for the classic. Napa cabbage. Actually, I've had it before. Back then the packaging was a little different.
Why you would package kimchi in a resealable foil packet, I know not why. Needless to say, they removed this from the shelves not long after. Good riddance. I think the glass jar contains the smell better. :D
It has been five years since I last tried TJ's kimchi. Might be my imagination, but I think this is a slightly different (and better!) product, even though it might be the same supplier. No MSG, which I like. A bunch of cheaper store-bought kimchis contain MSG and other funky ingredients. The sodium count is typical for kimchi - salting is an essential step of the fermentation process (draws out the water and helps with the pickling).
This picture means that A had nothing to do with this review. He can't stand the fermentedness. I did, however, consult my Korean neighbor. HI. :D
For a premade, store-bought kimchi, this is pretty good. It's mild, clean tasting, not very spicy at all. Not too sour either. According to my neighbor, it lacks something sweet (grated apple or something like that) to round out the flavor - but unless you eat kimchi like everyday it would be hard to tell the difference. Good with rice. Probably decent in other preparations too. The price isn't terrible ($4.49 for a 14oz jar), especially for a store-bought kimchi sans preservatives or whatever. Still cheaper at a Korean or Asian grocery store, but not bad for bringing kimchi to the masses. This I'd consider for repurchase in a pinch.
TL;DR: Trader Joe's Kimchi. Mild-mannered, pretty decent store-bought kimchi. 7 out of 10.
Bought at Stockton,CA TJ's. Tried a little this morning and almost immediately gave me stomachache. Going to take it back. Never had any issues with Kimchee in Korea.
ReplyDeleteThanks from SoCal. I bought the refrigerated jar and it was ground up, almost kike paste. The taste was bland.
DeleteI am far from Koreatown so I buy the milder Japanese store kim chi.
Was it old? I've seen this at various TJ's stores but sometimes the ones on the shelves don't look fresh. Perhaps it isn't popular enough to generate adequate turnover for a fresher product to be sold...
ReplyDeleteLooks great! I'm going to try it out this weekend. I usually buy Chongga brand Mat Kimchi, but it can only be found in Asian markets which is quite inconvenient. I actually didn't know Trader Joe's sells kimchi until I saw your review.
ReplyDeleteThe one that came in the bag was vegan.
ReplyDeleteThat one had:
INGREDIENTS
salted pickled napa cabbage (napa cabbage, water, salt), red pepper powder, sweet rice flour paste (sweet rice flour, water), garlic, leeks, ginger, salt, shiitake mushroom powder.
Also, the bag wasn't resealable. At least on the West Coast. Cut it open, and you'd have to finish it, or seal it with a binder clip or something.