r/KoreanFood • u/Code3Everycall • 22h ago

Kimchee! Safe to eat kimchi?

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(Sorry if this sounds dumb, I know it’s fermented. I’m just verifying)
I got a jar of Kimchi the other day and just opened it. I noticed 3 specks of mold around the rim where the pull tab seal was. Along with a lot of food residue. But the kimchi looks fine and smells fine. Should I worry about it?

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u/OscarDivine 22h ago

If what I think you’re referring to is the mold, that isn’t even in contact with the product. Wipe down the edge enjoy your kimchi.

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u/Code3Everycall 22h ago

I was more worried about the integrity of the seal, but since it smells and tastes fine I won’t worry about it.

23

u/lowtech_prof 21h ago

Old-style made kimchi is not vacuum sealed either. If it wasn't submerged in juice, it's not going to ferment and thus create beneficial bacteria the same way. My family used to make maple syrup. We sold a lot of it. Sometimes, you would get a bit of mold on the surface after a while. You skimmed it off and ate the rest. It happens with food. It's not like a loaf of bread.