The “best by” date will tell you when your kimchi will be the best to eat. Since kimchi is a fermented, non perishable food item, it will usually still be good to eat even after the “best by” date has passed.
It ferments in 3–4 days at room temperature or 2–3 weeks in the fridge. During this process, it develops lactic acid bacteria, as well as other beneficial bacteria (1).
Proper sterilization is crucial for preventing the unwanted growth of E. coli, Salmonella, and other pathogens that could cause food poisoning (2, 3).
Kimchi is not considered shelf stable because of its numerous healthy bacteria, so you shouldn’t keep it at room temperature. In fact, store-bought kimchi tends to be fermented and stored at a constant temperature of 39°F (4°C) (7).
In the refrigerator, it stays fresh much longer — about 3–6 months — and continues to ferment, which may lead to a sourer taste. Be sure to refrigerate your kimchi at or below 39°F (4°C), as warmer temperatures may accelerate spoilage.
This article tells you whether kimchi goes bad — and discusses best practices for storing it safely.
In Korea, kimchi is traditionally served among an array of side dishes at virtually every meal. But kimchi is more than just a side dish – its versatility also makes it an invaluable and flavorful ingredient in all kinds of cooking. Saute alongside pork chops, flank steak tacos, or scrambled eggs; add to stews, ramen, or grilled cheese sandwiches. Visit our Recipes page for ideas on how to incorporate kimchi into delicious everyday meals.
As a living probiotic food, kimchi is constantly trying to escape from its jar! Kimchi should be stored in the fridge as chilling is the only thing that keeps its level of fermentation (i.e. the activity of those happy little probiotics) slowed down. If you leave kimchi outside of the fridge, over time it will become over-fermented and wont taste so great anymore.
There is often confusion between fermented and canned/pickled/preserved foods. Modern canning and preserving techniques, such as making bread and butter pickles, is not fermentation. There is no good bacteria living in modern pickle brine lowering the pH of the pickles by creating acid. Acidity is instead artificially introduced using vinegar. Because there is no good bacteria living inside a jar of common pickles, when these pickles are prepared they need to be completely immersed in a salty, acidic brine that kills bacteria, allowing the pickles to be stored longterm on the shelf at room temperature.
It is perfectly normal for some jars of kimchi to bubble and pop profusely and for others to not. No pop or overflow when opening a jar does not mean that the kimchi does not contain legions of gut-health-boosting bacteria – trust us it does! This has to do with many factors, including seasonality of the vegetables, and variations in packing.
It is our intention with our Reserve Napa Cabbage Kimchi to offer the most authentic, hand crafted version of kimchi, and these lengths allow for less bruising of the vegetable and for the development of the fullest possible fermented flavor. When the cuts are long, the leaves can also be carefully folded before being layered into the fermentation jar, resulting in deeper and more even fermentation. We recommend using kitchen scissors at the table to cut the long strips of kimchi to your liking.
Is it safe to eat kimchi that has passed its expiration date?
FAQ
Is it safe to eat expired kimchi?
How do I know if kimchi has gone bad?
Is kimchi good after 2 years?
What is a long shelf life for kimchi?
Does kimchi expire?
It means kimchi should be in its peak flavor and taste before this suggested date. As you’ve probably known, an expiry date refers to quality rather than safety. When properly stored, you can expect that kimchi lasts a little longer, possibly a few weeks to months past the date. Again, kimchi is a fermented food.
How do you know if kimchi has expired?
On the other hand, normal kimchi will have a tangy, salty, spicy, and fizzy flavor and will have a crunchy texture. Checking the expiration date is always a safe indicator of knowing the freshness or expiration of your kimchi. If it is past its expiration date it is best to toss it out and get another jar.
Can kimchi go bad?
Yes, kimchi can go bad. Its shelf life depends on storage, ingredients, and preparation. Stored properly, it lasts for months. Signs of spoilage include unpleasant smell, mold, and off taste. Yes, kimchi can go “bad” if it is contaminated or grows mold.
Should kimchi be stored at room temperature?
When storing kimchi at room temperature, it should be kept in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to make it last longer. The “best by” date will tell you when your kimchi will be the best to eat. Since kimchi is a fermented, non perishable food item, it will usually still be good to eat even after the “best by” date has passed.