My first batch of kimchi smelled like garbage for 3 days, then turned into the best thing I ever made

I started a kimchi ferment last Monday. Day 1 and 2 it just smelled like spicy cabbage. Day 3 I opened the jar and it hit me like rotten trash. Almost dumped it. My wife said wait a day. Day 4 the smell mellowed and it tasted amazing. Now I know that funky phase is normal. Anyone else almost toss a batch during that first week?

3 comments

3 Comments

derek99427d ago

Ferments are just stinky teenagers before they grow up.

amy_foster791mo ago

It reminds me of how sourdough starters smell awful before they get good, or how some cheeses smell like feet but taste incredible. A lot of things that turn out wonderful go through a rough patch first, kind of like people going through a tough time before they really find their stride.

parkera2229d ago

Can't believe you actually opened it on day 3, @amy_foster79. I learned the hard way not to burp my ferments until day 5 after one sprayed kimchi juice all over my ceiling.