"Popular Among Health-Conscious Consumers"…K-Kimchi Captivates Global Taste Buds

Inclusion of Kimchi in 2023 Top 10 Superfoods
Increase in 'Kimchi Day' Designations Worldwide

Fermented foods, including Kimchi, were selected as one of the 'Top 10 Superfoods of 2023' chosen by nutritionists.

On the 19th (local time), according to the US media outlet Nestshark, a joint survey conducted by the food market research firm Pollack Communications and the food nutrition journal Today's Dietitian named fermented foods as this year's superfood. The survey was conducted among 757 nutritionists in the United States.

In particular, the media described Kimchi, a representative fermented food, as an "essential item in Korean cuisine," stating that "Kimchi has gained popularity among health-conscious consumers in recent years due to its health benefits such as probiotics and antioxidants." Along with fermented foods including Kimchi, seed foods, blueberries, avocados, nuts, and green tea were also named as 'superfoods.'

Rising Popularity Leads to 'Kimchi Day' Established in the UK Following the US

[Image source=Pixabay]

Previously, Kimchi attracted global attention as a health food that boosts immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a significant increase in export volume.

According to trade statistics from the Korea Customs Service, Kimchi exports surged from $104.99 million in 2019 to $144.51 million in 2020, and further increased to a record high of $159.92 million in 2021. However, last year, Kimchi exports decreased by 11.9% compared to the previous year, totaling $140.82 million. This decline appears to be related to the subsiding of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kimchi is known as a nutritionally excellent food rich in various minerals and vitamins. In particular, Kimchi has various benefits such as boosting immunity, anti-cancer effects, and virus suppression effects.

As global interest in Kimchi continues, many places in the US and Europe have established 'Kimchi Day' as an official commemorative day.

In the United States, seven states including California, Virginia, and New York celebrate Kimchi Day annually, and New Jersey is currently pushing for the designation of Kimchi Day. Additionally, the Kingston borough of London in the UK designated November 22 as 'Kimchi Day' starting this year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.