May 30, 2006

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  A reader recently commented:

  
  

  
  

  I’ve been recently noticing go-chu kka ru we buy in the states is not spicy at all!!! maybe it’s just chicago… whatever we make, nothing seems to be spicy enough… where can you get quality go-chu kka ru??? and what brand??

  
  

  The reason why gochugaru (red pepper flakes) in America isn’t as spicy, is that most of the brands sold here are actually from China.  They have Korean packaging, and say “product of Korea,” but they’re definitely from China.  (You’ll find this is true with many Korean products – not just gochugaru.)

  
  

  I use gochugaru from Korea and it’s twice as spicy (if not more) than any of the brands available here in the States.  It’s also a deeper, richer red whereas the ones available here are a lighter red… an orange-red even.  I keep it in the freezer so it lasts forever.  Fortunately we always have relatives visiting from Korea or someone in our family going to Korea so we always have a constant supply. 

  
  

  Perhaps you have a kind Korean relative that can ship you some?  You’ll definitely notice a huge difference in your dishes.  Sorry I can’t be of more help with specific brands.  Good luck in your gochugaru search.

  
  

  

  • 12:33 pm
  • 4 Comments