Kimchi, does it taste as awful as it smells?

So, the hubby bought a huge jar of kimchi at Jungle Jim's when we went, last week. I have banished it to the outdoors because I can't possibly describe to you lovely people how god-awful it smells. I'd like to try it, as I've read it is some sort of miraculous super-food, but am afraid to put it in my mouth, since I WILL vomit if it is nasty. So, just how awful is it, or is it delicious with a very off-putting smell?

Maybe you should just eat some miracle fruit before you taste it. Heh.

I've actually never had kimchi before, so I'm curious as well. I did attempt to make it myself with a recipe from I think Vegetarian Times, and it was sooooo hot as to be inedible, at least to me.

[Robin Garr]

So, the hubby bought a huge jar of kimchi at Jungle Jim's when we went, last week. I have banished it to the outdoors because I can't possibly describe to you lovely people how god-awful it smells. I'd like to try it, as I've read it is some sort of miraculous super-food, but am afraid to put it in my mouth, since I WILL vomit if it is nasty. So, just how awful is it, or is it delicious with a very off-putting smell?

Go to any of the local Korean restaurants ... they put out little dishes of various condiments (panchan?) including kimchee, and you can try a bite of it. Personally, I like it.

Kim chee, num yummy.

Ok, so I will be brave and try it, and I'll make sure to have a very large glass of water nearby. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm sure I'll either love it or hate it.

Ok, so I will be brave and try it, and I'll make sure to have a very large glass of water nearby. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm sure I'll either love it or hate it.

If it's spicy hot I would hold off on the water. Best to have some sort of dairy product on hand.

It's the red stuff. I'm assuming it's spicy as hell. I love hot food, just not nasty, hot food!

It's delicious! I like to keep some lime squeezes and salt nearby, as the flavor is never as balanced as I like it. Try it on a cracker or a slice of good bread to begin with, that will mitigate some of the more aggressive flavors and allow you to wrap your head around what you are tasting.

The heat won't throw you, the fishy pungency will.