0209 Kimchi Krisis

Bathtubs here in South Korea are, sadly, available for actual bathing this fall. No napa cabbage heads bob merrily on the water waiting to become part of this year’s batch of homemade kimchi. Kimchi is Korea’s fiery, fermented national dish eaten at every meal and touted by some as a cure for all ills. Every Korean family has its own special recipe. But this year, homemade kimchi production has all but screeched to a halt due to skyrocketing prices of key kimchi ingredients. The price of garlic has tripled. Radishes are up to five bucks apiece and cabbage sells for about $14. In fact, there have been reports of cabbage rustling in the countryside. And with prepackaged kimchi running about half the price of homemade, grandmothers everywhere are stressing out about the death of yet another tradition. Hot bath anyone? It’s a great way to relax. #ceas #hacker #SouthKorea