Frequently Asked Questions

What is kimchi?

Kimchi (김치) is the national dish of Korea. It’s fermented vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage, and can include ginger, garlic, Korean red pepper powder (고춧가루), and other vegetables, spices, and aromatics. Some varieties may contain fish, shrimp, or even oysters! It’s a key part of Korean cuisine, typical on household and restaurant tables as a side dish, and also as an ingredient in soups, stews, stir-fries, and other dishes.

Are there different kinds of kimchi?

Yes! Kimchi tends to vary by the primary vegetable and core preparation style.

• Tongbaechu (통배추김치) / pogi (포기 김치) kimchi is "whole" napa cabbage. The cabbage head is kept mostly intact (typically only sliced in half) with the seasoning paste layered between each leaf. The classic kimchi.

• Mat kimchi (맛김치) is a ready-to-eat style of napa cabbage kimchi where the cabbage is cut into bite-sized pieces. 맛 means "taste", so this is "tasty kimchi", ready to use and eat right from the jar.

• Kkakdugi (깍두기) is made from cubed Korean radish (무, more specifically 조선무), seasoned with Korean red pepper powder (고춧가루) and other aromatics . The most popular non-cabbage kimchi, and a favorite among kimchi lovers!

• Dongchimi (동치미) is a mild kimchi where slices of Korean radish (무) are  in a light clear brine-ish liquid, which is refreshing to have as a cold soup before the winter season.

• Chonggak (총각김치) or "ponytail kimchi" is a variety of Korean radish (무) which is small and the whole plant - root, stems, and leaves - are used. It's named "ponytail" because the radish looks just like a ponytail!

How long does it last?

Our mat kimchi is still actively fermenting. At about 1 week, flavors begin to mature. Around 2 weeks and the sour starts to show up. Three weeks in and the sour comes to the front. At 4 weeks, many people find it too sour to eat straight – but it's most excellent for using as an ingredient in your cooking – those umami flavors are well-developed!

What is "born on"?

Our products have a "Born On" date on the label. This is the date the kimchi was born (when cabbage was cut, mixed with salt and gochugaru, and fermentation started). It is printed in a YYYY-MM-DD format (2025-04-22 is April 22, 2025). We use "born on" (instead of "best by", "use by", "sell by", "made on", "produced on") as it's the most appropriate. As a live, actively fermenting product it will continue to change; by letting you know the day the kimchi was born you can know when your kimchi has reached YOUR peak flavor. 😋

​

The label also contains a unique batch code to identify each batch of kimchi produced.

How do you keep and store it?

• By keeping your kimchi in a sealed container in the refrigerator (ideal 1º - 5º C / 34º - 41º F), you will slow down the ongoing fermentation process.

• Because fermentation continues, carbon dioxide will continue to be produced. This may cause the package and lid to bulge from the build-up of gas pressure. Be careful when opening the lid as you may hear some gas escape. If it happens it is normal (and yes it's ok to giggle).

How hot/spicy is it?

• Gochugaru (고춧가루) – Korean chili powder – is a chili powder/flakes made from Korean chili peppers. They range on the Scoville heat scale 1500-10000 SHU (if you can handle a jalapeño, you should be able to handle gochugaru).

• How hot (spicy) a food tastes varies from person to person. We make our kimchi to have presence and flavor – not be over the top or something you might regret tomorrow.

Do you ship? Can I order online?

Currently we are producing under Texas Cottage Food laws, so we are unable to directly ship products. However, it is absolutely our plan and desire to be able to get our kimchi into the mouths and stomachs of all people who want good kimchi. Please let us know of your interest!

How does your loyalty program work?

When purchasing directly from us – such as at the farmer's market – you can participate in our loyalty program. With each purchase of 1 16 oz jar you will receive 1 stamp (1 16oz jar = 1 stamp). Collect 4 stamps and receive 1 16 oz jar of mat kimchi free. Card must be present at time of purchase and redemption. No cash value. Not valid with any other promotions. Kahjok Kimchi House LLC reserves the right to modify or cancel this program at any time. This program is only valid for purchases direct from Kahjok Kimchi House (not other retailers, vendors, sellers, wholesalers, etc.).

Return/refund/problems?

Given the nature of our food products, all sales are final. But if you are not satisfied, please talk to us.