GOT A QUESTION?
General Kimchi FAQ
WHAT DOES "made fresh daily, naturally fermented, and is raw and unpasteurized" MEAN?
This means that Choi's Kimchi contains all the good for you probiotic bacteria your body uses to stay healthy.
MY KIMCHI GETS SOUR AND MUSHY. WHAT CAN I USE THIS FOR?
At this stage of fermentation, the kimchi will still be edible but most likely over-fermented. Over-fermented kimchi can be incorporated into dishes such as kimchi stew, kimchi fried rice or kimchi ramen. Click here for the recipe.
HOW SHOULD I STORE MY KIMCHI?
Refrigerating your kimchi will slow the fermentation process, prolonging the crunch, and ensuring that your kimchi will keep fresh for as long as possible. However, you can keep your kimchi out at room temperature to speed up the fermentation process, which will result in a more funky, sour, and acidic taste to your kimchi.
Pro tip: ripe or fermented kimchi can develop more complex flavors in dishes using kimchi such as kimchi fried rice, kimchi soup, and kimchi tacos. If you want to check the recipe, click here.
online shop FAQ
I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MY ORDER. How can I contact Choi's Kimchi?
Please email us at info@choiskimchi.com. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
I RECEIVED KIMCHI BUT IT HAS A STRONG SMELL. IS IT OKAY TO EAT?
The strong odor from kimchi is a natural byproduct of the healthy bacteria that ferments the vegetables. This process creates the distinctive smell and flavor. Despite the strong smell, it is still safe to consume.
I BOUGHT CHOI'S KIMCHI FROM ONLINE. WHY IS MY POUCH OF KIMCHI INFLATED?
One of the byproducts of fermentation is a buildup of gas. We seal our kimchi airtight because kimchi loves environments that don't contain oxygen. This also prevents unwanted bacteria from getting in! As a result, your pouch of kimchi might resemble a balloon as the gas continues to build up, with no place to escape. Don't be alarmed!
I GOT KIMCHI FROM ONLINE. MY PACKAGE ARRIVED WARM. IS IT STILL SAFE TO CONSUME?
Since Kimchi is a fermented food, it can last without refrigeration for several days and is safe to consume. We recommend refrigerating upon arrival to preserve taste and texture as no refrigeration speeds up the fermentation process, which leads to a more softer and sour kimchi. And even when kimchi becomes soft and sour, it is still edible but not fit to everyone's taste; at that stage of fermentation, people would usually make kimchi stew, kimchi ramen, or kimchi fried rice out of it. Click here for the recipe.
retail shop FAQ
I GOT KIMCHI FROM THE STORE AND IT KEEPS BUBBLING. IS IT SAFE TO EAT?
During fermentation, kimchi builds pressure inside the jar as the fermentation process releases gas bubbles. At times, when opening the lid, the exposure to oxygen and release of pressure may also create bubbling. This is normal and just a common sign of fermentation at work.
THE LID IS BULGING. IS IT SAFE TO CONSUME?
The Kimchi continues to ferment even though it is stored in the refrigerator. During the natural fermentation process, it produces gasses that can build up enough pressure to make the lids bulge. This is a completely natural byproduct of fermentation and your kimchi is safe to consume.
I OPENED MY JAR AND IT OVERFLOWED. IS IT NORMAL?
Kimchi keeps fermenting because it is unpasteurized. Because the closure creates a hermetic seal; as kimchi ferments, the CO2 has nowhere to escape, until the lid is opened which can cause the product to overflow. The amount of overflow depends on the rate of fermentation in the jar, which is why, at times, it may not be fermented enough to overflow. Either way, kimchi is still safe to consume. For all fermented products we recommend opening jars over a sink, if possible.
Shipping & Refund
I NEED TO GET SUPPORT. WHERE CAN I CONTACT?
Please email us at info@choiskimchi.com. We will reply to your email as soon as possible!
WHEN WILL MY ORDER FULFILL?
It varies by product, but generally, it takes 2 business days for processing and fulfillment. However, it can take up to 4 business days in transit time.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO REDUCE THE SHIPPING COST?
Ordering 2-packs or 4-packs is the best way to reduce your shipping fees. We also have bundle pricing on our website. Current shipping cost: 1 pack: $10.99/ 2 packs: $13.99/ 3 packs and 4 packs: $25.99
KIMCHI IS A PERISHABLE PRODUCT. HOW DO YOU SHIP IT?
Our perishable products are carefully packaged to maintain optimal quality. We ensure the safety of your product, even if your kimchi is room temperature upon arrival. We use an ice gel pack and special mailer to slow the fermentation process during transit. We ship kimchi in a box if you order more than 3 packs.
DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER OPTIONS BESIDES USPS?
Currently, we only use USPS Priority Mail service to ship our products. USPS priority is the most cost-effective option with the quickest delivery times. However, we are aware of the demand for expedited shipping and are continuing to evaluate carriers with this service. Our store will be updated as soon as this option is available.
DO YOU ACCEPT RETURNS?
We are sincerely sorry for your inconvenience. Unfortunately, we don't accept returns. If you are not satisfied with the items received, please send us pictures of the package and/or kimchi condition, and discard the unwanted product. Please contact us about questions or concerns at info@choiskimchi.com and we may be able to refund or send a replacement order.
WHY IS THE SHIPPING FEE SO EXPENSIVE?
Our shipping fees include the packaging and handling fee, which covers gel ice packs and insulated packaging for refrigeration during transit. Unfortunately, recent price hikes in shipping and packaging materials have caused increased shipping costs. Because kimchi is a perishable product, we need to use priority shipping at all times. For transparency, our pricing separates out the product price and shipping costs so you know what the actual kimchi cost would be.