3 What would be the digestive side-effects of eating kimchee that is not finished fermenting? This is for a...

Question

writing project and nobody's health is in danger. But I want reasonable, realistic details.

What kind of bacteria are involved in the making of kimchee? Would a person be likely to have gas pains, bloating...? is food poisoning a possibility...?

Serious answers only, please! Thank you.

21 SEPT 07, 1543 hrs, GMT.

Answer 1

I am a former chef and have made and still eat my share of kimchee, I live in Toronto Canada and we have a large Korean community, and I buy a quart a week.

As for side effects, I have never had any, there is not real bacteria, not like wine or yougart, it is a fermentation process done with the ingredients working with the juices of the chinese cabbage, similar to the effect the salt has on the saurkraut process with the white european cabbages.

With kimchee you have the hot pepper paste, oyster sauce, salt and other ingredients, they vary, so in the few days it takes for this to go into effect there is not bacteria change more a structural change/breakdown from the ingredients used.

For anyone eating it before the changes have completed it would be no different than a gassy sensation like beans do to some people, the flatulence may be a bit odorous.

Answer 2

Okay I am half Korean and half white and I grew up on Kimchee. My mom made it often and we never bought the stuff they sell in the grocery store. Unless it was from a Korean Grocer. I don't think that you could get hurt eating it before the fermentation process is completed. Once you salt the cabbage and let it sit and then add the pepper etc, you can eat it right then. We used to do that all the time, and I know many Koreans that do that too. The only bacteria that is involved in making kimchee is the 'healthy' kind that is produced in the fermentation process. It helps aid in digestion. I don't know anyone to have gas pains, bloating etc. Actually I read that Kimchee was named one of the healthiest foods in the world back a few years ago. And I have NEVER heard of anyone getting food poisoning from it.
If you go on wiki, it tells the BASICS on it. You can also google it and find more info. Also, if you want to try it, go to a asian (Korean) grocer. They may be able to help you. Its an acquired taste, but its really good for you if you like spicy asian food.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimchi