This week is the very beginning of what’s considered to be kimchi season for Koreans and other kimchi enthusiasts around the globe. Kimchi is a fermented cabbage dish native to Korea and widely popular throughout the world. Mid-October to late November is known as gimjang (or kimjang) season, which is the name for the traditional production of kimchi. So, in the name of preservation and fermentation, we bring you suggestions of preservation recipes, using the produce at area farmers tailgates now.
Kimchi. Napa cabbage, the traditional cabbage variety for kimchi-making, is now available from farmers at market. But the spicy, garlicky, napa cabbage kimchi isn’t the only kind, though it’s certainly the most widely produced and consumed. There’s also white kimchi (kimchi without chili), and kimchis made with other vegetables such as cubed radish kimchi, green onion kimchi, and many, many more. Get your community of friends and family together to spend an afternoon making kimchi together this gimjang season!
Peppers. While there are still peppers at market, grab some to make hot sauce, or dehydrate and grind to make chili powder and paprika. Similarly, as tomato season comes to its traditional end, the window of time is dwindling to make marinaras, bbq sauces, and ketchups from scratch.
Beets okra, and haricot verts. Stock up on pickled beets, pickled okra, and dilly beans to store for colder months.
Kraut. The European fermented cabbage cousin of kimchi, kraut (from the German sauerkraut) is typically less spicy and uses European varieties of green cabbage that’s shredded instead of left as whole leaves.
Ginger. You can get fresh, young, ginger from markets now. For the easiest preservation route: cut into individual pieces (as you would use them in a recipe) and freeze. Another option is to pickle it and create the kind of ginger served with sushi. Or dehydrate and grind the ginger roots to make ginger powder to quickly add to any dish.
Area farmers tailgate markets take place throughout the region. As always, you can find information about farms, tailgate markets, and farm stands, including locations and hours, by visiting ASAP’s online Local Food Guide.
Prepared by Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project.