Fermented Superfood Promoted: Kimchi Event Held at New York State Capitol

In a significant cultural exchange, New York's State Capitol in Albany recently hosted an event celebrating the excellence of Korean fermented foods, particularly kimchi and traditional pastes like gochujang and doenjang. Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), the event served as a platform to introduce these culinary staples to influential figures in American politics and government.

The timing of the event is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with May being celebrated as 'Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month' and, crucially, the recent inclusion of kimchi in the 'Dietary Guidelines for Americans.' This governmental recognition marks a milestone for Korean cuisine on the global stage, validating its health benefits and culinary significance.

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In order to advance kimchi and pastes into the U.S. school meal system in the future, we must first persuade state legislators responsible for the budget, the relevant education office, and school officials.

The event featured a kimchi-making demonstration by Chef Kim Hoon-yi and offered attendees a taste of various Korean dishes that incorporate these fermented ingredients. Dishes like kimchi salad, kimchi pancakes, and kimchi-braised pork ribs, alongside gochujang chicken, japchae, and doenjang-braised pork belly, showcased the versatility and appeal of Korean food.

This promotion is part of a broader strategy by aT to increase the presence of Korean foods in the American market, with a specific focus on school lunch programs. By engaging with state legislators and education officials, aT aims to build networks and secure future opportunities for Korean cuisine in American educational institutions. The inclusion of fermented foods in the U.S. dietary guidelines is seen as a major step towards achieving this goal, reflecting a growing global appreciation for the health benefits of foods like kimchi.

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We will continue to do our best to enter the U.S. school meal market by utilizing the network established through this opportunity.