Difficulty: Moderate | Yields: 1 Large Jar
Tangy, spicy, and bursting with umami, Zero-Waste Kimchi is the perfect way to transform vegetable scraps and overlooked produce into a bold, probiotic-rich dish! Instead of discarding wilted greens, radish tops, cabbage cores, or carrot peels, this recipe repurposes them into a flavor-packed, gut-friendly fermented condiment. With our Zero-Waste Kimchi Kit, you can easily make authentic, homemade kimchi while reducing food waste and boosting sustainability!
The History and Cultural Significance of Kimchi & Zero-Waste Fermentation
Ancient Roots: The Origins of Kimchi (3rd Century BCE – Present)
Kimchi, Korea’s most iconic dish, has a rich history spanning over 2,000 years. It originated as a simple way to preserve vegetables before refrigeration, allowing people to enjoy seasonal produce year-round.
Early Fermentation (3rd Century BCE – 7th Century CE)
- The earliest versions of kimchi were salted vegetables stored underground in earthenware pots (onggi), similar to other ancient fermented foods.
- These primitive kimchis had no spice, as chili peppers were not introduced to Korea until the 16th century.
🍲 Evolving Kimchi (10th – 15th Century CE, Goryeo Dynasty)
- Koreans began adding garlic, ginger, and fermented fish sauce for enhanced flavor.
- Kimchi recipes varied by region and season, using cabbage, radish, cucumbers, and wild greens.
🔥 The Chili Pepper Revolution (16th Century CE, Joseon Dynasty)
- Portuguese traders introduced chili peppers to Korea via Japan.
- This transformed kimchi into the spicy, red version we know today!
✅ Zero-Waste & Sustainable – Uses vegetable scraps that would otherwise be discarded.
✅ Rich in Probiotics – Supports gut health and digestion.
✅ Naturally Fermented – No preservatives, just pure, fermented goodness.
✅ Customizable & Versatile – Adjust the spice level and ingredients to your taste.
✅ Budget-Friendly – Turns leftover veggies into a long-lasting, flavorful dish.
Vegetable Scraps & Ingredients for Zero-Waste Kimchi
Base Vegetables
☑️ Cabbage cores & wilted leaves
☑️ Radish tops & scraps
☑️ Carrot peels & ends
☑️ Beet greens or Swiss chard
☑️ Broccoli stems (thinly sliced)
Flavor Additions
☑️ 1 tablespoon minced garlic
☑️ 1 teaspoon grated ginger
☑️ 2–3 green onions (chopped, including tops)
☑️ 1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce (vegan option)
☑️ 1 teaspoon sugar (for balance)
For the Fermenting Brine
☑️ 2 cups filtered water
☑️ 2 tablespoons sea salt
👩🍳 How to Make Zero-Waste Kimchi with the Kit
🧂 Step 1: Salt the Vegetables
1️⃣ Chop all your vegetable scraps into bite-sized pieces.
2️⃣ In a bowl, mix with sea salt and let sit for 2 hours to draw out moisture.
3️⃣ Rinse and drain well.
🌶 Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning Paste
1️⃣ In a bowl, mix gochugaru, garlic, ginger, sugar, and fish/soy sauce.
2️⃣ Add a small amount of water or mashed fruit (apple/pear) for extra depth.
🥣 Step 3: Mix & Pack into a Jar
1️⃣ Toss the drained vegetables with the seasoning paste, ensuring even coating.
2️⃣ Pack tightly into a sterilized glass jar, pressing down to remove air pockets.
3️⃣ Pour leftover brine over the top to submerge vegetables.
🕰 Step 4: Ferment & Store
1️⃣ Cover loosely and let ferment at room temperature for 3–5 days.
2️⃣ Check daily, pressing the vegetables down to keep them submerged.
3️⃣ Once it reaches the desired tanginess, transfer to the fridge to slow fermentation.
How to Enjoy Zero-Waste Kimchi
📌 As a side dish with rice or noodles 🍜
📌 Stirred into fried rice or soups 🍲
📌 In grilled cheese sandwiches or tacos 🌮
📌 As a probiotic-rich topping for salads & bowls 🥗
🔥Why You’ll Love This Zero-Waste Kimchi Kit
♻️ Sustainable & Food-Saving – Uses veggie scraps to reduce waste.
🔥 Bold & Flavorful – Traditional kimchi taste with a resourceful twist.
💪 Gut-Healthy & Nutrient-Rich – Packed with probiotics and antioxidants.
🌍 Eco-Friendly & Homemade – No plastic packaging, just real ingredients.
“Zero-Waste Kimchi isn’t just a side dish—it’s a centuries-old tradition that proves delicious food and sustainability can go hand in hand!”
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Overripe Fruit Jam with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.
