Kimchi Chefs

Shame on me, I posted out of order! Prior to the incredible experience of the temple stay, my kindergarten class had yet another unique field trip at Little America! Last week, we headed out to the Kimchi-making school about 5 minutes from our building. It is actually right next to Aiins World which has replicas of famous monuments and other landmarks from around the world. I have yet to visit, but as soon as the nicer weather returns I will definitely pay a visit!

When we pulled in, another school group was on a field trip as well. It was at this moment that I realized our 90's style sweatsuit uniforms are not as bad as old-man-golfing pants...

Yikes

 Kimchi (김치) is Korean's national dish. Whenever I ask my students what Korea has that no one else has, kimchi is usually one of the first answers (besides "Norebangs" and "Laura Teacher"). Not only is it eaten with almost every meal here, it is known to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet. Now whether that is true or not, there has been a lot of research regarding the pro-biotic content and its effects on cancerous cells as well as aiding digestion. Now enough of the scientific talk- lets get on with what happens when kindergarteners get to make this super-food!


The students were ushered into the kimch-making building where they were seated at a long table in front of a display table at the front of the room. It was at this table that the head kimchi chef would demonstrate proper technique and introduce the recipe to the group. There were even TVs further down the table so that students did not miss one step in the process! Unfortunately, the teachers did not get the opportunity to make kimchi (aside from Amanda Teacher who made her way into an absent student's seat...sneaky sneaky). We were on picture duty as we made our way through the kimchi splash zone that was our students' work station.

Yes Chef!

Even aprons, disposable sleeves, and long plastic gloves couldn't keep the mess of their uniforms.

Raddish kimchi roll

To begin, the chef introduced the different ingredients of the kimchi we would be making that day. Around the hall were pictures of all different kinds of kimchi. It is such a versatile dish that it has endless possibilities of ingredients and variations!

cabbage kimchi roll

Variations of kimchi

Even more variations including chocolate kimchi?

The students were then guided through the process. First, they mixed the kimchi "dressing" which includes a chili pepper sauce and several other ingredients. This had many students squealing and squirming because it was quite the messy task. Others had a blast and did not want to move onto step two! The next step was completely covering a head of cabbage that had been saturated and pickled in salt water. They spread the dressing into every nook and cranny (technical cabbage terminology) of the cabbage before "wrapping it up like a baby".

pre-squished plates

tentative squishing

proudly displaying her messy hands

The students really did have so much fun with this activity. They were able to not only get exceedingly messy but make a traditional Korean dish that they have been eating since day 1! Many of the students shared that they have made this with their mother, grandmother, or have seen them make it before. The tradition of several women getting together and making a gigantic batch of kimchi and then portioning it out for each family has been a part of Korean history for a long time. I hope that I will be able to make some kimchi while I'm here! The kids can't be the ones to have ALL the fun right?

I know you are all thinking- get on with it- how did it taste??
Oh
My
Goodness....
I am a huge fan of kimchi in the first place, so I really wasn't expecting anything better than it already is, but this kimchi was made with sesame seeds, honey, and some other sweeter ingredients that completely changed the taste! It was sweet and tangy and spicy all at the same time! The teachers got to sample a little of it, while the kids took a huge bag of their creation home with them...I warned my students that if they misbehaved for the rest of the day I would take their kimchi home with me instead. If you haven't tried kimchi before, you must go to a Korean restaurant, grocery store, or bug your closest Korean friend (or stranger...) to share some kimchi with you!

After the students were cleaned up through whatever means possible...

We of course had the usual photo shoot before we made our way back to Little America.

Swag

My kiddos

Another successful field trip day for all and the kids got to take home some amazing kimchi to their families! Lucky ducks...no... I'm not bitter...


Kimchi phrase of the post:  
야! 그건 내 김치입니다 
(ya! geuhgawn neh kimchimnida!)
 "Hey! That's my kimchi!"

Until next time- headed out this weekend to the Seoul Lantern Festival! Hopefully will be able to get some amazing pictures to share with you all! xoxoxo