Do you know? In South Korea, there is a shocking fact:Known as the "Kimchi Motherland", they actually have 999% of imported kimchi comes from China!
Yes, you heard it right, it's that South Korea, which prides itself on kimchi. So, what exactly is the reason for the people of this landWhat about giving up their "kimchi freedom" and relying on imported kimchi from China?
Today, let me unravel this mystery for you and take you into the story behind Korean kimchi.
First of all, let's start with the geography and climate of South Korea. South Korea, a country located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, has a land area of only about 1030,000 square kilometers, but every inch of land is full of stories. Do you know? Korea is not all plains suitable for farming, on the contrary, most of the eastern part of the country is mountainous and hilly. The climatic conditions in these areas are not ideal, with severe soil acidification and long, cold winters. For most of the vegetables and fruits, it's a hell of survival. But cabbage is an exception, which has survived tenaciously in this land and has become a staple on the Korean table.
However, the good times were short-lived. With the development of the times and the changes of the environment, this once kimchi paradise has also begun to face a crisis. In 2008, South Korea** expropriated a large amount of land along the Han River, Geumgang River, Nakdong River, and Yeongsan River for a project called the "Four Great Rivers Project". This has led directly to a reduction in the area of arable land, and with it, the yield of cabbage has also dropped significantly. And the decrease in production naturally leads to **. At the most expensive time, the ** of a cabbage was even as high as 180 yuan! This is undoubtedly a huge expense for the average Korean family. As a result, many Koreans have turned to China to import kimchi to alleviate the shortage of ingredients.
So why do Koreans love kimchi so much? In fact, there are deep historical and cultural reasons behind this. In ancient times,Korean cabbage can only be harvested in autumn and winter, and in order to have vegetables to eat in spring and summer, Koreans have begun to experiment with salted cabbage to extend its shelf life. Moreover, due to the lack of vegetable oil and iron pots in ancient Korea, the cooking method was relatively simple, and pickling became the best choice for preservation and seasoning. Over time, kimchi has gradually become an integral part of the daily life of Koreans.
In addition to historical and cultural reasons, kimchi's status in Korea is inextricably linked to its unique taste and nutritional value. Kimchi is spicy and sour, both appetizing and soothing, and is a must-have dish on the Korean table. At the same time, kimchi is also rich in vitamins and minerals, which have many benefits for the body. Therefore, even in modern society, kimchi still occupies an irreplaceable place on the table of Koreans.
However, in the face of the decline in domestic cabbage production and the increase in cabbage, Koreans have to start looking for new ingredients. As a neighbor of South Korea, China has vast arable land and abundant vegetable resources, so it has naturally become the first choice for South Korea to import kimchi. Today, China has become one of the largest kimchi countries in South Korea, exporting a large number of kimchi products to South Korea every year.
Although this shift has temporarily freed Koreans from the predicament of food shortages, it has also caused a series of problems and controversies. Some people are concerned about the quality and safety of imported kimchi, and some people think that it is an impact and erosion of traditional Korean culture. But in any case, we cannot deny the fact that in today's globalization, food has become an irreversible trend. In this process, cultural exchanges and integration between countries will also become inevitable.
So, the next time you see kimchi in a Korean restaurant, imagine the story and history behind it. The ingredients and craftsmanship that have been honed carry the culture and memory of a country. And in this era of globalization, we may find more resonance and understanding in it.
Of course, if you want to talk about the broad and profound food culture and food categories, it depends on our country! Welcome to discuss in the comment area: What foods have you eaten that you will never forget for a lifetime?