Does kimchi go bad?
By
Dr Cinu Varghese PhD
| Reviewed by
Dr Anny Manrich (PhD)
The contents of this article are fact-based except otherwise stated within the article.
Author bio
Dr Cinu Varghese has experience in food science research, the food industry, and teaching with expertise in Food Engineering, Public health and nutrition, Product development, Sensory and consumer research, Ingredient research, Packaging, and 3D food printing. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Cinu Varghese’s Highlights;
PhD in food engineering focusing on product development for adolescent health and nutrition from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India.
Master’s degree in Agriculture processing and food engineering from Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, India. Bachelors in Agriculture Engineering from Kerala Agriculture University, India.
Visiting Doctoral scholar at the University of Alberta, Canada through the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Fellowship (2018-2019).
“Integration of food science, health, and nutrition knowledge is crucial for promoting individual well-being and sustainability in the food industry, leading to healthier food choices that nourish both people and the environment” – Dr Cinu Varghese
Professional Experience
Dr Cinu Varghese worked as a food scientist and designed and executed experiments to improve product quality, nutrition, flavour, texture, shelf-life, and nutritional value, taking into consideration consumer preferences, regulatory requirements, and cost-effectiveness.
As a Guest faculty lecturer at Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Dr Cinu designed and delivered lectures in food science and nutrition, which include topics such as fundamentals of food processing, food nutrition, and food safety to graduate students.
Dr Cinu collaborated with the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, as a Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute awardee and evaluate and characterize the 3D-printed cookies developed for undernourished adolescents.
Dr Cinu has presented her research work at several international conferences focusing on food science and nutrition like IFT, EFFoST, and IUFOST.
Research articles and book chapters by Dr Cinu have appeared in high-impact, specialized journals in her field, and she is expanding her knowledge domain through new collaborations with scientists.
Education
2022- PhD in Food Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India
2017- M.tech in Processing and Food Engineering, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, India
2015- B.tech in Agricultural Engineering, Kerala Agricultural University, India
The main publications of Dr Cinu Varghese are:
Research articles
Varghese C., Srivastav P.P., Roopesh M.S (2022). High-energy cookies for undernourished adolescents: In vivo rat assay of protein quality and evaluation of storage conditions on cookies shelf-life. Future Foods; 6(100154); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fufo.2022.100154
Varghese C., Srivastav P.P. (2022) Formulation and sensory characterization of high energy nutritious cookies for undernourished adolescents. Innovative food science and emerging technologies, 75, 102904, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifset.2021.102904
Anjali Sudhakar, Subir Kumar Chakraborty, Naveen Kumar Mahanti & Cinu Varghese (2021) Advanced techniques in edible oil authentication: A systematic review and critical analysis, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition,https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.1956424
Varghese C., Wolodko J., Chen L., Doschak M., Srivastav P.P., Roopesh M.S. (2020). Influence of Selected Product and Process Parameters on Microstructure, Rheological, and Textural Properties of 3D Printed Cookies. Foods.;9(7): https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9070907
Joy Augustine K, Sudheer K. P, Athira A.S., Cinu V, Haritha M., Rana Salva N. Development and performance evaluation of a motorised rotary banana slicer, 27th Kerala Science congress Alappuzha, 27-29 January 2015: https://ws.kscste.kerala.gov.in/site/publications/Final%20Proceedings%2027th%20KSC.pdf
Book chapters
Varghese C., Srivastav P.P., Roopesh M.S., Sudhakar A.(2022). 3-D Food Printing: Concepts, applications, and Prospects. Advanced Research Methods in Food Processing. Apple Academic Press, Inc.-, CRC Press, a Taylor & Francis Group,USA.
Varghese C., Harsha V., Claudia K.L., Steaphen A. N.(2022). High-Pressure Processing of Foods; An Overview, Advanced Research Methods in Food Processing. Apple Academic Press, Inc.-, CRC Press, a Taylor & Francis Group, USA.
Sudhakar A., Varghese C., Choudhary K., Chakraborty S. K.(2021). Extrusion technology: types, working and different food products. Apple Academic Press, Inc.-, CRC Press, a Taylor & Francis Group, USA.
Conferences/Presentations
Varghese C., Khan M.K., Srivastav P.P. Mathematical modelling of thin layer drying kinetics of moringa leaves.19th IUFoST World Congress of Food Science and Technology held at Mumbai, 23rd – 27th October 2018, Poster Presentation
Varghese C., Srivastav P.P. Development of high-density nutrient-dense food bar for undernourished adolescent girls. IFT conference Meeting held at New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 2nd– 6th June 2019, Poster presentation
Varghese C., Srivastav P.P., Roopesh M.S. Development and storage of developed high energy, nutrient-dense cookies for undernourished adolescents. 34th EFFoST International Conference held as an online event, 20th-22nd November 2020, Poster presentation
International Conference on Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture as an Oral Presenter held at Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar 2020
You can view some of Dr Cinu’s work here:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cinu-varghese/
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Cinu-Varghese
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0119-3735
Reviewer bio
Dr Anny Manrich PhD is a food Engineer with expertise in Food Technology, Natural Polymers, Edible Films, Enzymes, and Nanotechnology. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Anny Manrich’s Highlights:
- Research and Technology at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation
- PhD in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Biochemistry at the Federal University of Sao Carlos/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany
- Bachelor of Food Engineering at the University of Campinas/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany
“To solve a problem, global vision and multifactorial understanding are necessary. Therefore, in addition to expertise, one should seek multidisciplinary thinking connected with science and reality” – Dr Anny Manrich, PhD.
Professional Experience:
Dr Anny Manrich’s Experience Joining the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, as soon as she completed her doctorate,
Dr Anny Manrich has worked on several projects, including the more than three-year partnership project with BRF, a major food producer in Brazil. As a postdoctoral fellow.
Dr Anny Manrich has also contributed to several business consultancies and research projects of the National Nanotechnology Laboratory System in areas such as food technology, fibres, films and coatings and Nanotechnology; in a very determined way, having a great team relationship, being creative and committed.
Growing concerns about the safe introduction of nanomaterials into today’s life emphasises the need to create regulatory documentation in front of characterising, using and testing them. Dr Anny Manrich worked for two years on a characterization project for nanoscale materials, with the aim of exploring their possible health effects.
Despite not having specific academic training in packaging or polymeric films, Dr Anny Manrich works at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation in areas of edible and biodegradable films produced from agricultural waste and in the development of films with greater resistance to water, having articles published in renowned scientific journals, which demonstrates her multidisciplinary understanding and creativity.
In addition, she worked for four years as a consultant to a food company to develop a line of snacks that are healthy and that add functional ingredients, physiologically active compounds that bring health benefits, made from fruits and vegetables, enabling diet improvement, disease prevention and reduction of nutritional deficiencies.
Dr Anny Manrich participated as a member of the examination board for two Master’s exams and one PhD exam at the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Federal University of São Carlos.
Education:
- 2001 Bachelor in Food Engineering at the State University of Campinas, Brazil
- 1999 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich
- 2004 Master in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
- 2012 PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
- 2010 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich
The main publications of Dr. Anny Manrich are:
Articles
Manrich, A., Moreira, F. K., Otoni, C. G., Lorevice, M. V., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. (2017). Hydrophobic edible films made up of tomato cutin and pectin. Carbohydrate Polymers, 164, 83-91.
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H. A., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Correlating emulsion characteristics with the properties of active starch films loaded with lemongrass essential oil. Food Hydrocolloids, 100, 105428.
Norcino, L. B., Mendes, J. F., Natarelli, C. V. L., Manrich, A., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Pectin films loaded with copaiba oil nanoemulsions for potential use as bio-based active packaging. Food Hydrocolloids, 106, 105862.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization of trypsin on chitosan gels: Use of different activation protocols and comparison with other supports. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 43.1 (2008): 54-61.
Manrich, Anny; Komesu, Andrea ; Adriano, Wellington Sabino; Tardioli, Paulo Waldir ; Giordano, Raquel Lima Camargo . Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by Multipoint Covalent Attachment on Agarose and on Chitosan Supports. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, v. 161, p. 455-467, 2010.
Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Neto, A. S., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Mattoso, L. H. C., & Martins, M. A. (2019). Development and physical-chemical properties of pectin film reinforced with spent coffee grounds by continuous casting. Carbohydrate polymers, 210, 92-99..
Milessi, T. S., Kopp, W., Rojas, M. J., Manrich, A., Baptista-Neto, A., Tardioli, P. W., … & Giordano, R. L. (2016). Immobilization and stabilization of an endoxylanase from Bacillus subtilis (XynA) for xylooligosaccharides (XOs) production. Catalysis Today, 259, 130-139.
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Manrich, A., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Development, physical‐chemical properties, and photodegradation of pectin film reinforced with malt bagasse fibers by continuous casting. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 137(39), 49178.
Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Luchesi, B. R., Dantas, A. P. S., Vanderlei, R. M., … & Martins, M. A. (2021). Thermo-physical and mechanical characteristics of composites based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) e spent coffee grounds (SCG). Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 29, 2888-2900..
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Development of quaternary nanocomposites made up of cassava starch, cocoa butter, lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion, and brewery spent grain fibers. Journal of Food Science, 86(5), 1979-1996.
Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Manufacture and performance of peanut skin cellulose nanocrystals. Scientia Agricola, 79.
Nascimento, V. M., Manrich, A., Tardioli, P. W., de Campos Giordano, R., de Moraes Rocha, G. J., & Giordano, R. D. L. C. (2016). Alkaline pretreatment for practicable production of ethanol and xylooligosaccharides. Bioethanol, 2(1)..
Manrich, Anny, de Oliveira, J. E., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. Physicochemical and Thermal Characterization of the Spirulina platensis. J. Agric. Sci. Technol. B, v. 10, p. 298-307, 2020.
Book Chapter
Terra, I. A. A., Aoki, P. H., Delezuk, J. A. D. M., Martins, M. A., Manrich, A., Silva, M. J., … & Miranda, P. B. (2022). Técnicas de Caracterização de Polímeros. Nanotecnologia Aplicada a Polímeros, 614.
Conference Papers
Ferreira, L. F., Luvizaro, L. B., Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., Júnior, M. G., & Dias, M. V. (2017). Comparação da estabilidade de suspensões poliméricas de amido/tocoferol e quitosana/tocoferol. In: CONGRESSO BRASILEIRO DE POLÍMEROS, 14., 2017, Águas de Lindóia, SP.
Manrich, A., Hubinger, S. Z., & Paris, E. C. (2017). Citotoxicidade causada por nanomateriais: avaliação do micronúcleo. In: WORKSHOP DA REDE DE NANOTECNOLOGIA APLICADA AO AGRONEGÓCIO, 9., 2017, São Carlos. Anais… São Carlos: Embrapa Instrumentação, 2017. p. 655-658.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by multipoint covalent attachment on Glyoxyl Agarose Support. The 31st Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2009.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Application of immobilized xylanase on hydrolysis of soluble wood hemicelluloses after using microwave and organosolv pre-treatments. The 32nd Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2010.
You can view some of Dr Anny’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anny-Manrich-2
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=23103497100
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=Ea9qpr0AAAAJ
Linkedin: https://br.linkedin.com/in/anny-manrich-20693129
In this brief guide, we will address the question, “Does kimchi go bad?” as well as the shelf life of kimchi, risks associated with eating spoiled kimchi, and storage practices to prolong the shelf life of kimchi.
Does kimchi go bad?
Yes, Kimchi goes bad. The fermenting process in kimchi provides an acidic and salty environment that aids in the preservation of the vegetables and the development of their distinct flavors (1).
While kimchi has a longer shelf life than many other foods, it is nevertheless susceptible to deterioration. Kimchi can spoil or go bad over time, especially if not stored properly.
However, if you take good care of it, it can last for months past the date on the label or even years. When prepared properly and refrigerated, it can last up to 6 months (1,6).
Nonetheless, you should never eat kimchi that smells off or has visible mold. If you’re ever unsure whether your dish is safe to eat, it’s best to toss it out.
How long does kimchi Last?
Kimchi is a fermented food product that can typically last for a week after opening. However, if you put that same kimchi in the refrigerator, it can last for much longer (1, 2).
If you leave it out at ambient temperature for 3–4 days or in the fridge for 2–3 weeks, it will ferment. It produces lactic acid bacteria and other helpful microorganisms.
When kimchi is refrigerated, it will gradually deteriorate and will start to turn sour. It is still perfectly safe to consume refrigerated kimchi within a period of 3-6 months, depending on the handling and storage practices.
In the refrigerator, it stays fresh much longer, for about 3–6 months, and continues to ferment, which may lead to a sour taste. Be sure to refrigerate your kimchi at or below 39°F (4°C), as warmer temperatures may accelerate spoilage. Kimchi may still be safe to eat for up to 3 more months as long as there’s no mold, which indicates spoilage (3,4).
When it comes to taste and texture, discarding after 3 months is a good rule of thumb. After this, it may taste different and become mushy.
How to tell if kimchi is still safe to eat?
Following are some situations when some people think kimchi has gone off, but it hasn’t:
Bubbly kimchi after opening is perfectly normal. It’s a living thing called probiotics that’s sometimes more active, hence more fizziness (5,7).
Kimchi that explodes upon opening is nothing unusual too. The gas buildup by the fermentation might cause the jar to overflow, just like champagne does. A bulging cap can happen every now and then for precisely the same reasons as above. If it does, make sure you take extra care when opening the jar (5).
Kimchi turns very sour if you keep it for an extended period at room temperature. It’s safe to eat, but you might prefer to add it to a soup, a stew, or add other veggies instead of eating it raw.
If you keep the kimchi stored for a long time, you might find that the cabbage has turned soft. It’s perfectly okay to consume, but if you don’t like your kimchi with wilted cabbage, try using it in a recipe.
How to know if kimchi has spoiled?
If you notice a bad smell or any signs of mold growth, such as a white film on top of the food, it indicates that the kimchi has gone bad and should be discarded. Similarly, any black staining means your kimchi is no longer edible.
So it’s normal if your kimchi smells sour or vinegary. If your kimchi smells bad, don’t eat it. Also, kimchi may grow overly fermented over time. If you take a mouthful of your kimchi and detest the sourness, don’t eat it (6,7).
What happens if you consume spoiled kimchi?
If kimchi is consumed with mold on it, the deadly mycotoxins can induce food poisoning and symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and food poisoning. This happens when kimchi is improperly stored, and contamination occurs during the packaging and storage processes (6).
While most fermented foods are safe to consume, kimchi may become infected with bacteria such as E. Coli that are not friendly to the gut, resulting in severe food poisoning that can be fatal. How to store kimchi?
So when it comes to unopened kimchi, the pantry and the fridge are both solid options, depending on your preferences and how long the jar will stay unopened. When in doubt, refrigerate it.
If you open it up and it’s not sour enough, leave it at room temperature for a day or even two until it reaches your desired taste. Once you open the jar, it’s usually best to store it in the fridge to keep the fermentation in check(1,5).
Even though the acidic environment makes it difficult for any bacteria (other than those that are already there) to grow in there, it is best not to take any chances. Therefore, ensure that all of its ingredients are entirely submerged in the brine.
This way, the top portion won’t dry out and possibly start to spoil. Keep the jar closed when not in use. Make sure to use clean utensils when scooping the vegetables, as it ensures that no contaminants enter the jar (7).
Always use a clean, sealed glass container to store kimchi. Before it ferments, seasoned kimchi is typically packed into a sterile, airtight jar and topped with brine. Some people may add a bit of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Proper sterilization is crucial for preventing the unwanted growth of pathogens that could cause food poisoning. Sterilization prevents E. coli, Salmonella, and other germs from growing and causing food poisoning.
Vinegar has antibacterial characteristics that can help inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and increase the shelf life of kimchi. This is useful for individuals who like milder, less fermented kimchi or who want to keep it for extended lengths of time (5).
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we addressed the question, “Does kimchi go bad?” as well as the shelf life of kimchi, risks associated with eating spoiled kimchi, and storage practices to prolong the shelf life of kimchi.
References
- Hongu N, Kim AS, Suzuki A, Wilson H, Tsui KC, Park S. Korean kimchi: promoting healthy meals through cultural tradition. Journal of Ethnic Foods. 2017;4(3).
- Kim HJ, Noh JS, Song YO. Beneficial effects of kimchi, a Korean fermented vegetable food, on pathophysiological factors related to atherosclerosis. J Med Food. 2018;21(2).
- Cha J, Kim YB, Park SE, Lee SH, Roh SW, Son HS. Does kimchi deserve the status of a probiotic food? Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2023.
- Kim EK, An SY, Lee MS, Kim TH, Lee HK, Hwang WS. Fermented kimchi reduces body weight and improves metabolic parameters in overweight and obese patients. Nutrition Research. 2011;31(6).
- Hwang IM, Ha JH. Human health risk assessment of toxic elements in South Korean cabbage, Kimchi, using Monte Carlo simulations. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. 2021;102.
- Choi Y, Kang J, Lee Y, Seo Y, Lee H, Kim S. Quantitative microbial risk assessment for Clostridium perfringens foodborne illness following consumption of kimchi in South Korea. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2020;29(8).
- Nam GW, Jeong M, Heo EJ, Chang OK, Kim MG, Kwak HS. Quantitative microbial risk assessment of pathogenic Escherichia coli in commercial kimchi in South Korea. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2021;30(11).
