Gochujang, also spelled kochujang or Korean fermented red pepper sauce is an ethnic food that dates back to the 16th or early 17th century.
To make Korean red pepper paste, mix red pepper powder, glutinous rice, meju powder, salt, malt, and water.
Place the mixture in an earthenware pot or jar and leave it for 6 months or up to 1 year to ferment.
Gochujang is packed with nutrients that help your body in a number of ways.
Some of the vital nutrients found in Gochujang include Vitamin C, Protein, Sodium, Dietary fiber, Vitamin A, and Iron.
Experts think that the therapeutic effects of gochujang come from capsaicin.
Traditionally, gochujang is used to add flavor to rice while aiding the digestive system.
Of course, not all of the nutritive components of gochujang are universally desirable.
However, since it’s possible to eat Korean red pepper paste in small quantities, it is not a bad idea to try it once.
In recent years, a lot of research has been conducted to study the medical benefits of gochujang.
Gochujang is even registered with the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which is an organization that promotes international food quality.
It is now widely accepted that gochujang can be instrumental in weight loss and the treatment of diabetes.
According to a Pusan National University study, gochujang can be conducive to weight loss.
This food can also help reduce the risk of contracting coronary heart disease due to its low cholesterol.
Capsaicin, one of the active components in chili peppers used in making gochujang plays an important role in increasing metabolism and energy expenditure, helping you to lose weight faster.
Numerous studies have looked into more sources of capsaicin as it is widely accepted as an important compound in the fitness and dieting industries.
Diabetic rats were fed a high-fat diet containing two different types of 5% gochujang for 8 weeks.
Results showed that gochujang improved glucose homeostasis by reducing insulin resistance.
More studies have also linked capsaicin to anticancer, antiobesity, antidiabetic, and pain- and itch-relieving effects.
However, it is worth noting that most of these studies were conducted on animals.
As mentioned, it can take up to a year just to get gochujang ready for consumption.
Although many people are now looking for faster ways to make it at home, it is best when done the traditional Korean way.
How long your red pepper paste will last depends on how you store it.
Excluding the time spent in preparing and fermenting, gochujang can be preserved for up to 2 years if well preserved and refrigerated.
The longer gochujang is left to ferment, the more flavorful it will be.
There are so many ways you can eat Korean red pepper paste.
Feel free to experiment with different dishes and recipes, adding to the adventure of this wonder food.
If it is your first time, you may want to go with chicken first.
It goes well with almost all types of meat.