Journal 04: Why Fermentation Is the Most Sustainable Way to Preserve Food

At GGACHI Kimchi, we believe good food should respect both people and the planet.
Fermentation — the process at the heart of kimchi — is one of the oldest and most sustainable ways to preserve food. It requires no electricity, no chemicals, and no waste. Just vegetables, salt, and time.

– A Natural Way to Preserve Food

Before refrigerators existed, fermentation kept vegetables edible throughout winter.
By using salt and natural bacteria, food transforms instead of spoiling — no packaging or additives needed. Every jar of GGACHI Kimchi follows this same principle: simple ingredients, natural preservation, and full flavor.

– Reducing Food Waste

Fermentation extends the life of fresh vegetables by weeks — sometimes months.
That means fewer vegetables thrown away and more nutrients kept in your kitchen. At GGACHI, we ferment in small batches to minimize waste and reuse all we can — even kimchi juice becomes part of soups and marinades. Tip: Use leftover kimchi brine as a base for sauces or dressings — zero waste, full flavor.

– No Energy, No Additives

Unlike pasteurization or industrial preservation, fermentation uses no heat and no artificial preservatives. It’s a living process powered by natural bacteria — and patience. That’s why our kimchi is unpasteurized, full of live cultures, and made without shortcuts.

– Supporting Local, Sustainable Food Systems

We make our kimchi locally in Rotterdam, using as many Dutch-grown vegetables as possible. This reduces transport emissions and supports small producers around us. By choosing local and fermented foods, you’re helping create a food system that values craftsmanship and reduces waste.

Try our Kimchi Tasting box  — handmade, naturally fermented, and packed with life.

– A Tradition That Fits the Future

Fermentation is ancient — but it’s also a future-forward food practice. As people look for ways to eat healthier and live more sustainably, fermentation offers a simple truth: Nature already knows how to preserve food — we just need to trust the process.