{"id":116682,"date":"2024-10-30T22:55:09","date_gmt":"2024-10-30T22:55:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/?p=116682"},"modified":"2024-10-30T22:55:09","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T22:55:09","slug":"why-you-should-burp-kimchi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/why-you-should-burp-kimchi\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Need To Burp Kimchi"},"content":{"rendered":"

A jar of kimchi is surprisingly similar to a newborn baby \u2013 both need regular burping, or you’ll likely end up with a bit of a mess. Hear us out \u2013 while it might sound unappetising, releasing gas is crucial to fermentation. Better out than in, we always say! If you\u2019re new to the world of fermentation, here\u2019s how to burp kimchi and store it properly.<\/p>\n

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To burp your kimchi simply open the jar or lift the lid… and allow the carbon dioxide produced by the (good) bacteria to escape.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Kimchi is more than just a spicy Korean side dish \u2013 this Napa cabbage or daikon radish staple is a living, breathing ferment filled with gut-healing probiotics, and has a life of its own. If you always keep a jar in the fridge, you\u2019ll know there\u2019s one step you can\u2019t skip: burp kimchi.<\/p>\n

Burping is the easiest part of maintaining a ferment, but it\u2019s also one of the most important steps \u2013\u00a0kombucha brewers who\u2019ve dealt with \u2018booch bombs\u2019 will agree! The objective is to release gas to avoid leakage or prevent the jar from cracking. To burp your kimchi simply open the jar or lift the lid, depending on the container, and allow the carbon dioxide produced by the (good) bacteria to escape. There are a few other things to consider, but that\u2019s pretty much the gist.<\/p>\n

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What Happens If You Don\u2019t Burp Kimchi?<\/h4>\n

Kimchi is an \u2018active ferment,\u2019 meaning it\u2019s alive with beneficial bacteria \u2013 specifically lactobacilli. These bacteria thrive in an oxygen-free environment and convert the natural sugars in the vegetables into lactic acid, giving kimchi its signature tang and delicious, ferment-y flavour.<\/p>\n

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When fermenting kimchi, the process generates gases, like carbon dioxide, which need a way out. If you don\u2019t burp the jar or container, you risk a potential explosion of kimchi brine\/juice (quite the mess!) due to the pressure buildup. It might not sound like it, but this gas release is a sign of a healthy fermentation process; it\u2019s what makes kimchi such a powerful probiotic food. Those beneficial bacteria are great for your gut health, aiding digestion and boosting your immune system. The health benefits are fantastic, but when it comes to storage, you should avoid major leaks caused by overfilling the jar, placing it in high temperatures and storing it in flimsy containers.<\/p>\n

As the fermentation process accelerates, the excess gas forces liquid out through the seal \u2013\u00a0the only way out is up!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If making kimchi, don\u2019t overfill the jar, unless you want to clean up a big mess. When kimchi is packed too tightly or filled to the top, there\u2019s not much room within the jar for the gases to expand. As the fermentation process accelerates, the excess gas forces liquid out through the seal \u2013\u00a0the only way out is up! Also, as a result of warmer temperatures, fermentation speeds up, causing more gas production in a shorter time.<\/p>\n

If kimchi is stored in a warm environment, the pressure increases rapidly, leading to leaks. Similarly, when the lid or seal isn’t tight enough to withstand the pressure, or the container itself isn’t designed to handle the gas buildup, it begins to seep, leaving a gross odour in your fridge \u2013\u00a0the last thing you want to deal with. Thankfully, when you burp kimchi, it helps prevent this by releasing the trapped gas, reducing pressure inside the jar.<\/p>\n

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How to Store Kimchi Properly<\/h4>\n

Whether homemade or store-bought, how you store kimchi plays a major role in its shelf life and flavour development\u2026<\/p>\n

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