Does kimchi always have live cultures?

Does kimchi always have live cultures? - Self assured young bearded male DJ in trendy leather jacket adjusting headphones while performing music on stage in dark illuminated nightclub

A lot of the kimchi I see in stores doesn't say "live and active cultures" like yogurts and kefir. I'm trying to up my probiotic intake, but I'm not sure if all the kimchi I get is helping me towards this end. If a kimchi doesn't list "live culture", does it mean that the culture has been killed by heat or other means?



Best Answer

At least in the U.S., there is no legal requirement to list "live cultures" or whatever on food labels. Short of contacting the manufacturer, there's no way to know for certain whether or not it may contain live cultures.

Kimchi, like sauerkraut and similar cultured foods, will continue to ferment and change flavor and texture if it has live cultures. Thus, if a manufacturer wants to ensure a more stable product and longer shelf life, they may heat treat (or otherwise process) the food to destroy active bacteria before shipping the product to consumers.

On the other hand, since many people have become interested in "live culture" fermented foods in recent years, manufacturers usually go out of their way to point out when they do maintain live cultures. I'd therefore say it's likely that at least large manufacturers will advertise their "live cultures" if present. If there's no such description on the product or on the manufacturer's website, it's more likely (though not certain) that the product has been treated in some way to extend shelf life and does not contain live bacteria. For smaller and/or local producers, you probably will need to ask directly about their processing.




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Quick Answer about "Does kimchi always have live cultures?"

Short of contacting the manufacturer, there's no way to know for certain whether or not it may contain live cultures. Kimchi, like sauerkraut and similar cultured foods, will continue to ferment and change flavor and texture if it has live cultures.

Does kimchi always have probiotics?

Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi and yogurts containing 'live and active cultures' are healthy and tasty, but they are not necessarily packed with probiotics, says Ganeden Inc, the Ohio-based firm behind one of the best-known probiotic strains, BC30 (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086).

Is all kimchi unpasteurized?

Part of the problem is that kimchi's fermentation relies on good bacteria \u2013 and pasteurization kills both good AND bad bacteria. However, some store-bought kimchi products and kimchi in restaurants are pasteurized, so make sure to check the label or ask first.

Is kimchi always fermented?

Though kimchi is usually fermented for a few days to a few weeks before serving, it can be eaten fresh, or unfermented, immediately after preparation. This dish is not only delectable but also offers many health benefits ( 1 , 2 , 3 ).

Does kimchi in a jar have probiotics?

Because it's a fermented food, it boasts numerous probiotics. These healthy microorganisms may give kimchi several health benefits. It may help regulate your immune system, promote weight loss, fight inflammation, and even slow the aging process.



The UNHEALTHY TRUTH about fermented foods




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

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