PSA: Check your local Asian market's kimchi fridge temperature

I was at the H Mart in Duluth last weekend picking up some gochugaru, and I noticed their big kimchi fridge felt way too warm. I stuck my hand in there (I know, not super scientific) and it felt like a cool room, not a fridge. I asked a worker and they said it had been 'acting up' for a few days. That's a big deal for active fermentation, right? It could speed things up way too much and maybe even spoil the batch. Has anyone else run into this at their local store? I'm thinking of bringing a little thermometer next time.

3 comments

3 Comments

the_shane1mo ago

That's a good catch. Did they pull the kimchi from the fridge or just leave it all in there?

palmer.val1mo ago

Actually, leaving it in the fridge makes more sense to keep it cold. The_shane's point is solid, but room temp kimchi can get funky fast. Better safe than sorry with fermented stuff.

anna_carter534h ago

Ugh, they left it out. Big mistake.