Top 12 Fermented Foods With Kimchi And Tempeh
Foods that Heal – Foods that Maintain Weight Loss
by Boyd Jentzsch, Guest Writer
Today: World’s healthiest food in Korea? Indonesia makes its culinary mark? That is where we are headed, to uncover some of the tastiest health foods in the world.
6. Kimchi
This fine Korean side-dish was traditionally fermented in stone or ceramic jars (see picture), buried underground for months. It is considered Korea’s National Dish, of which they are justly proud. They even have a national museum to honor its long history as central to the Korean culture.
Kimchi Fermented in traditional Korean Ceramic Jars
Kimchi comes in a stunning variety of flavors and source ingredients, but usually made of napa cabbage, radish, scallion, or cucumber as the main ingredient. Its origins date back to the 11th century B.C.E. The Kimchi Field Museum in Seoul has documented 187 historic and current varieties of kimchi.
Different types of kimchi were traditionally made at different times of the year, based on when various vegetables were in season and also to take advantage of hot and cold seasons before the era of refrigeration.
South Koreans consume 40 pounds (18kg) of Kimchi per person annually.
South Koreans consume 40 pounds (18 kg) of kimchi per person annually, and many credit their nation’s rapid economic growth in part to eating this staple dish. Health magazine named Kimchi in its list of top five “World’s Healthiest Foods” for being rich in vitamins, aiding digestion, and even possibly reducing cancer growth.
I was first introduced to Kimchi on a long stay in Seoul during the Korean Summer Olympics many years ago. I didn’t like the sour flavor of it, so I never tried it again for many years. Only later did I find out that I had eaten the “wrong kind.” The wife of a Korean business friend introduced me to 4-5 kinds in one sitting.
Turns out I liked them all. So, maybe my many years in China had educated my palette, or I just got started off on the wrong type. So, do not let that deter you. Try different Kimchi dishes. You’ll find one you’ll love, and your body will love you for it.
Ask any Korean and they can tell you, if it’s not fermented, it’s not Kimchi (they are worried the Japanese are trying to cash in on the worldwide reputation of Kimchi, using non-fermented methods — which is a big no-no to them).
But, Koreans will also tell you if it’s not the special type their mother made for them, it’s not worth eating. (Photos and some text, Courtesy Wikipedia.)
Most kinds of Kimchi are low calorie. They provide a burst of flavor that satisfies your hunger and cravings. Isn’t that precisely what you want when you are losing weight, and trying to keep your lost weight off permanently?
5. Tempeh
This is a traditional Javanese fermented soy food from the heart of Indonesia. The fermentation process binds the soybeans into a cake form, much like burger patties. It is the only major traditional soy fermented food that does not come from Japan or China.
Tempeh is a staple of a vegetarian food worldwide.
Because of its special fermentation system using the whole bean, it is high in protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Its unique process allows it to age, tasting more and more “earthy” as it ages. It is now a staple of vegetarian foods worldwide. This fermentation process also makes the minerals in the soy more bio-available.
Tempeh is a fermented soy
Once again, it is the probiotics that make Tempeh so valuable to those trying to keep their weight off. With the numerous varieties available, choose those with low calories, although most are.
Wikipedia has a variety of fermented soy products listed that you might like to try out. You may have to go to Asian stores to find many of them, but try several until you find some you really like. The taste, aroma, and consistency are very different from regular American food, but that is the point…they are almost all universally more healthy.
Give Tempeh a Try! It supplies a rich assortment of nutrients that your body needs.
Give Tempeh a try because you got all those extra pounds eating your “traditional” American way. Isn’t it about time to try — to experiment — with something different that can help you be healthier, as well as thinner?
Weight loss, and weight maintenance go hand in hand. What you need are a large menu of foods that can satisfy your hunger, and subdue your cravings. Tempeh is one of many Fermented Foods that supply the rich assortment of nutrients that your body is hungering for. When you eat them daily, you will eat a little less, and snack a little less, too, because your mouth and your body are both satisfied. That is the grand secret to weight loss. It is the key to keeping your weight off.
Tomorrow: 4. Miso is a good starting place in Japan, and there is real action in the Caucasus Mountains with 3. Kefir.
Top 12 Fermented Foods
Foods that Heal – Foods that Maintain Weight Loss
Here’s a List to the Top 12 Fermented Foods Admired Throughout the World
• Fermented Foods that Heal & Maintain Weight
• Chicha and Buttermilk
• Kvass and Rejuvelac
• Pickles and Yogurt
• Kimchi and Tempeh
• Miso and Kefir
• Cabbage and Cambucha
Don’t forget to send me your weight loss questions, and join me here for a LIVE Weight Loss Wednesdays™ lesson and Q&A, every Wednesday evening at 9:30 PM ET.
I’ve heard tons of good things about Kimchi tea! I’m going to check these out, thank you!
I have tried neither of these foods and kind of wonder if I will-even though I agree that they are very good for you. Maybe some of the other fermented foods you will be telling us about in future posts will catch my fancy.
Kimchi is one of my favorites. Interesting post about fermented foods!
These foods are all so new to me, but I learned a lot from reading this.
I have never heard of these foods but its good to know.. thanks for sharing..
Very interesting. I like reading about different kinds of foods than I normally eat. I am not generally a fan of the fermented food, but my mom likes them. Will pass on the info.
I have not heard of any of these. Sounds very interesting the methods used!
My kids have been going around for weeks saying “Kimchi” and I had not idea what they were talking about lol.
I spent the week with a friend and her Korean mother and Kimchi is one of the treats I got to try. Loved it ever since!
I love kimchi! I especially love that there are so many varieties and veggies that can be used to make it.
I’ve never heard of these food before. It is a fascinating read.
Love Kimchi! I can’t believe over 40 pounds are eaten per person. Thanks for sharing all this info!
I love KIMCHI! I even learned how to make it.
This is the first time I’ve encountered Tempeh. So, thanks for sharing the info.
never really heard of this stuff before, so i dont see myself making something like this.
I’m a foodie that never had Kimchi. But I actually really want to try it.
40 pounds doesn’t sound like that much food but then again, I’ve never had kimchi.
Wow! I had never heard of this before today. Sounds like it may have alot of nutrients in it as well!
There are a lot of dishes and dessert from fermented soy or tempeh. I was able to try some in Taiwan.
This is really interesting. I am not familiar with any of these foods or fermentation. It’s always nice to learn whats out there. Makes me want to try something new.
I don’t like Kimchi.. I do like other dishes that were fermented.
I have heard of Tempeh but have never had it–I definitely would like to try it out. I believe I had Kimchi once, but I am not 100% sure. Either way, love exploring new types of ingredients and foods!
I love Tempeh!!! This is a great post thank you for sharing!! <333
Wow these foods look delicious, I need to try them!
Wow these foods look delicious, I need to try them!
My mouth is now watering. I love kimchi. Thanks for sharing.
I didn’t know that was how kimchi was fermented. We have someone in our family who loves to eat it.
this is a new and nice info.. thanks for this..
I never knew what Kimchi actually was. I have always wanted to try it.
Oh I’ve heard of tempeh but I’ve never had it before. Considering what people are saying about it, may have to give this a try.
These are largely unfamiliar to me, but I’m so curious. I think I need to do some experimenting.
I’ve never heard of kimchi it looks and sounds yummy though! I love all the health benefits it has 🙂
My hubby is half Korean and grew up enjoying kimchi made by his mother. I had no clue how it was traditionally prepared!
Kimchi has the smell of a rotting corpse. I don’t know how anyone could stand to eat it. I like my food Fresh not fermented I don’t care about the health benefits they claim it has
Thanks now I’m starving.
I have to say I’m not normally about fermented foods. This looks good though.