California Becomes First US State to Celebrate Kimchi Day

November 22 has officially become "Kimchi Day" in the US state of California.

The bill became law on August 23, making California the first state in the US to celebrate the South Korean national dish. California Assembly member Steven Choi introduced the bill as a way of supporting the idea that Korea created kimchi, after some in China have said the dish is actually Chinese.

Kimchi, which is usually made using cabbage fermented in brine with garlic, chili pepper, and fish sauce, is becoming more popular in the US and around the world.

South Korean kimchi exports increased to a record high in the first three months of 2021, according to The Korea Herald. And Korean food, including kimchi, has been appearing more frequently on US menus since 2014, according to the California bill.

More people have also learned about kimchi's health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and its "good bacteria," which can help the digestive system, heart and immune system.

This was seen when kimchi sales increased in the US at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although kimchi has only received worldwide attention in recent years, its history in Korea goes back thousands of years.

Koreans living around the world continue to make and eat kimchi as an important way to maintain their culture. The US has the largest community of Korean people living outside of Korea, with California being home to 32% of this population.

It is expected that Kimchi Day in California will be celebrated through different events, including kimchi-making classes and a Kimchi festival in Los Angeles.

South Korea celebrated Kimchi Day for the first time on the same date in 2020.

Discussion

1. What are your thoughts on California's Kimchi Day?

2. Do you like kimchi? If so, what do you usually eat it with?

3. What foods would you say are a must-try for anyone visiting your country?

4. What countries would you like to visit in order to try the local food?

5. Are there any holidays in your country dedicated to a particular food?

出处：头条号 @生活中学习英语