Korean Chili Flakes / Gochugaru flakes

Korean Chili Flakes Descriptions:

If you are looking to make authentic Korean food, then Korean red pepper flakes are one ingredient that cannot be omitted. This is because the Korean pepper flakes are selected carefully and prepared into their characteristic shape, which has become very synonymous with Korean cooking. Indigenous to Korea, the Korean chili pepper is used to produce Korean chili flakes. obtained from the Korean pepper plant that originates from the same capsicum annum family as other peppers, the Korean chili comes in different varieties depending on the stages of ripeness.

They can be either Korean red or Korean dark green. However, when ripe, the Korean chili will appear bright red. Typically, these chili peppers are medium-sized and have a long or slim appearance. They introduce a warm sensation to food and can best be described as mildly hot.  When unripe, the Korean chili pepper would typically be typically around 1500 on the Scoville rating. The locals also refer to the Korean red pepper flakes as gochugaru. The Korean gochgaru is the smooth and seedless powder or flakes made out of Korean pepper and is used in the preparation of a wide variety of foods in Korean cuisine.

While the flakes are quite different from the powder in terms of particle size, they typically bring the same level of heat and coloration to foods. These vibrant and red-looking Korean chilies have a rather complex flavor profile as they provide a blend of spicy, smoky, and sweet tastes when used in food. Korean red chili flakes are made by sun-drying the fruits of the Korean pepper plant and then grinding them into thin flakes that are brittle and vibrant-looking. It is best stored in an enclosed space or in a refrigerator in order to maintain its freshness and heat.

Korean chili powder for kimchi
The flakes derived from these peppers are mostly used in the preparation of Kimchi and other Korean staple foods. It is important to state that when handling Korean red chili flakes, care must be taken to wear gloves in order to prevent burns.

How to use Gochugaru flakes?

Still, gochugaru's applications go well beyond the realm of kimchi and stews grounded in that culture. Spoon garlicky chile oil made with it over these beef short ribs. Shower popcorn, dips, toasts with a dash of that red glitter. Make Crunchy Gochujang Fennel; spicy fennel should be more of a thing.

Gochugaru flakes benefits:

The distinctive texture of the Korean Gochugaru is not its only advantage, as it has quite a lot of other health benefits. These include;

◉ Rich in copper and iron: Korean chili pepper flakes are rich in copper and iron. Two essential nutrients are necessary for blood formation. This helps to prevent problems that stem from iron deficiency like anemia, muscular weakness, and fatigue.

◉ Improves eyesight: Korean chili pepper is rich in vitamin A which helps to keep the eye healthy and prevent macular degeneration.

◉ Helps digestion: The fibrous nature of the Korean hot pepper powder makes it very effective in boosting digestion. It also contains capsaicin which can help to stimulate digestive juices in the body and stimulate peristaltic motion.

◉ Rich in Vitamin: Korean Gochutgaru is rich in Vitamin C which is an anti-oxidant that not only helps the body to fight off infection but also eliminates free radicals in the body.

Where to buy Gochugaru flakes?

Buy Korean Chili Flakes / Gochugaru flakes from the health food store in the USA, Alive Herbals.

Gochugaru flakes information (at a glance):