Baechu

This traditional Korean condiment of spicy fermented cabbage is made in two phases: The first stage, soaking the cabbage in a salty brine, kills harmful bacteria and draws out the liquid from the cabbage. In the second stage, a spicy paste of Korean-style chile powder, scallions, garlic and ginger is mixed into the cabbage to give it that signature kimchi kick. Adding the paste also starts the second stage of fermentation, in which the natural sugars are converted to lactic acid, preserving the veggies and giving them tangy flavor.