Food Guide
Discovering Korea’s Delicious Fall Ingredients
Irene
October 13, 2024
If you’ve been watching Culinary Class Wars, you might feel inspired to incorporate more seasonal, Korean ingredients into your cooking! As the leaves start to change color and the air turns crisp, fall in Korea not only offers beautiful scenery but also a bounty of seasonal ingredients that highlight the best flavors of Korean cuisine. If you’re traveling or living in Korea, this is the perfect time to enjoy these fresh ingredients that define the fall season. In this blog, we'll explore some of the most popular ingredients you can find in Korean markets and restaurants during fall!
One of the true delights of autumn is Kkotge (꽃게). Known for its sweet and tender meat, this crustacean is in season during fall, making it the ideal time to enjoy its exceptional flavor. You can savor them steamed, in soups, or in spicy dishes like steamed crab. Eating crab in the fall ensures you're experiencing it at its peak!
Another seafood favorite during this season is Daeha (대하). These succulent shrimp are prized for their firm texture and sweetness. Enjoy them grilled, stir-fried, or added to stews. Eating fresh shrimp during fall means you get to experience their delicious flavor at its best!
Galchi (갈치) is a popular catch in the fall, known for its delicate and flaky flesh. Often grilled or served in stews, this fish pairs beautifully with rice and kimchi. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy Galchi-jorim, a dish where the fish is braised with spicy sauce and vegetables, capturing the essence of the season.
Nakji (낙지) is another autumn seafood delicacy that showcases Korea's culinary expertise. This versatile ingredient can be found in various dishes, from grilled octopus to spicy stir-fried octopus known as. Enjoying octopus in fall allows you to taste it at its freshest and most flavorful. It's also what's used to prepare live octopus, known as sannakji.
As the weather cools, you'll start to see Eunhaeng (은행) making their way into various dishes and banchan throughout Korea. These nuts, harvested from the strikingly vibrant yellow ginkgo trees, offer a unique nutty flavor despite their pungent smell when raw. Typically roasted or incorporated into soups and rice dishes, ginkgo nuts bring not only a distinctive taste but also a range of health benefits. Be sure to try them this fall to fully appreciate their unique flavor!
Fall is the season to make Baechu (배추) kimchi. Enjoying homemade kimchi in the fall means you can taste the vibrant flavors that complement all Korean meals.
Nothing says fall like roasted Goguma (고구마)! These sweet, starchy treats are a popular street food in Korea, often roasted over charcoal or made it into a sugar glazed dessert known as Goguma Gangjeong (고구마강정). Vendors sell hot sweet potatoes during the chilly fall days, offering a warming snack that embodies the season’s comfort.
Korean pears, known as Bae (배), are crisp and juicy, making them perfect for snacking. Their natural sweetness shines during the fall harvest, allowing you to fully enjoy their flavor.
Fall is the time Gam (감), a sweet and juicy fruit enjoyed both fresh and dried. There are several types of persimmons, each with unique characteristics. You can find them in markets, and they make for a delicious snack or a refreshing addition to salads. Eating persimmons in fall means you're enjoying one of nature's seasonal delights.
Muhwagwa (무화과) is another fruit harvested in the fall. These sweet and juicy fruits can be eaten fresh or used in desserts.
By incorporating these seafoods and produce into your meals, you can experience the rich flavors of Korean ingredients at their best. Whether you're dining out or cooking at home, savoring these seasonal delights will immerse you in the local culture and elevate your appreciation for the harvest season.
