Fermented Foods From Around the World: Kimchi, Kombucha, Miso, Kefir

Tap a food to see its origin and character.

Kimchi (Korea)

A representative Korean fermented vegetable made by salting napa cabbage or radish, then fermenting it with chili powder, garlic, and other seasonings.

Yogurt (Worldwide)

A fermented dairy product made by culturing milk with beneficial bacteria, widely known to support gut health.

Kombucha (China/Worldwide)

A tangy-sweet fermented drink made by fermenting sweetened tea with a bacteria-and-yeast culture (SCOBY).

Miso (Japan)

A traditional Japanese paste made by fermenting boiled soybeans with koji mold, used as the base for miso soup.

Sauerkraut (Germany)

A traditional German lacto-fermented cabbage made by salting cabbage, typically served alongside sausages.

Kefir (Caucasus Region)

A thick fermented drink made by fermenting milk with a bacteria-and-yeast culture called kefir grains.

Natto (Japan)

A traditional Japanese food made by fermenting boiled soybeans with natto bacteria, known for its distinctive sticky strands and strong aroma.

Tempeh (Indonesia)

A traditional Indonesian food made by fermenting soybeans with mold into a firm cake, popular as a plant-based protein source.

Doenjang (Korea)

A traditional Korean fermented soybean paste made by soaking dried soybean blocks in brine, known for its deep savory flavor.

Fermented Foods Are a Healthy Legacy of Microbes

Many cultures around the world have used fermentation to preserve food since long before refrigeration existed. As a result, the beneficial bacteria and distinctive flavors produced during fermentation have made these foods widely loved as health foods today.

A Note on Sodium

Fermented foods that rely on salt, like kimchi or miso, tend to be relatively high in sodium, so it's worth eating them in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do fermented foods keep their live probiotic bacteria intact?

Fresh, uncooked fermented foods tend to retain more live probiotic bacteria, while boiling or stir-frying can reduce the bacterial count.

Are fermented foods high in sodium?

Foods fermented using salt, like kimchi or miso, tend to be relatively high in sodium, so it's best to eat them in moderate amounts.