Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, True Kimchi is a Woman-Owned and Korean Immigrant Owned company handcrafting authentic kimchi in small batches the traditional way.
We make our kimchi using sacred family recipes handed down from generation to generation.
What is Kimchi?
Kimchi is a Korean traditional side dish comprised of fermented vegetables.
Kimchi was invented it as a way to preserve vegetables throughout the harsh winters in Korea. It is mentioned in the ancient Korean book “Samkuksaki,” published in 1145 A.D, meaning kimchi has been around for a thousand years!
Kimchi is a wild fermented food - the fermentation occurs when the vegetables are salted and kept in an oxygen-free environment, allowing the naturally present lactic acid bacteria to proliferate.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Sam is a 1.5 generation Korean American who grew up in Seoul and Phoenix. She learned how to make kimchi at a young age by watching and helping her mom make big batches of kimchi every fall for her family.
When Sam moved to Fort Wayne in 2018, she wasn't able to find good, authentic kimchi she grew up eating, and began making it at home. Soon after, she started selling her kimchi at local farmers markets. Today, True Kimchi can be found at retailers and restaurants in the Midwest and beyond!
Sam's hobbies include gardening, cooking, strength training, and taking naps with her cat Wasabi. She is an avid listener of 90's hip hop.