Green Leafy Herbs are the Unsung Heroes

Green leafy herbs are the unsung heroes of both the kitchen and the apothecary. They’re not just flavor boosters—they’re cultural symbols, medicinal allies, and botanical marvels.  🌿 

Framed Botanical Wall Art for Kitchen, 6 Piece Rustic Canvas Prints Paintings Wall Decor

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🧄 Culinary Staples

These herbs are prized for their fresh, aromatic leaves and are often used raw or lightly cooked to preserve their flavor and nutrients.

🌱 Medicinal & Cultural Significance

• Holy basil (Tulsi) is revered in Ayurvedic medicine for its adaptogenic properties.

• Mint has been used for centuries to soothe digestion and freshen breath.

• Sage was once believed to grant immortality in ancient Roman lore.

• Thyme contains thymol, a natural antiseptic used in mouthwashes and balms.

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🧪 Fresh vs. Dried

• Fresh herbs (aka “green herbs”) retain vibrant color and volatile oils—ideal for garnishes and quick-cook dishes.

• Dried herbs have concentrated flavors and longer shelf lives—better for slow-cooked meals.

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🍽️ Pro Tips for Use

• Add delicate herbs like parsley and cilantro at the end of cooking.

• Use woody herbs like rosemary and thyme early to infuse flavor.

• Chop herbs finely to release oils, or bruise them for infusions.

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EXTRA RESEARCH.

(I watch a lot of Korean dramas, and I'm always drooling over the food.  LOL.)

🍲 Korean Culinary Traditions

Many of the herbs on your page play key roles in Korean cooking, often with layered meanings:

• Perilla Leaves (Kkaennip) – Aromatic and slightly bitter, these are often eaten pickled or used as wraps. Their distinct flavor and versatility earn them a place in banchan spreads.
• Garlic Chives (Buchu) – Stir-fried, added to pancakes, or tucked into dumplings, their pungency boosts richness in humble home-style dishes.
• Mint – Known as "bang-ah" in Korean, mint isn’t as common in savory dishes but features in herbal teas that promote digestion and refreshment.
• Mugwort (Ssuk) – Used in rice cakes like ssuk tteok and soups, mugwort lends an earthy flavor and is tied to spring rituals and cleansing traditions.

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🌿 Historical and Medicinal Roles

Korean traditional medicine (Hanbang) reflects centuries of botanical wisdom:

• Thyme and Sage – While not native to Korea, similar aromatic herbs have been used in teas and topical remedies for respiratory or skin-related ailments.
• Mugwort (Ssuk) – Considered a sacred herb, used for everything from digestive tonics to women’s health treatments. It’s burned in cleansing rituals, much like sage in other cultures.
• Perilla Seeds – Ground into pastes or oils, they're thought to support heart health and boost immune function.

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NOTE: This content is AI-generated.  Just testing. 😀👍

Netflix Series: Korean Fried Chicken Rhapsody

This is the fifth (and final) post highlighting the programs in the Netflix Rhapsody series tracing the origins and evolution of the Korean cuisine that we enjoy today.

Korean Fried Chicken Rhapsody (2024)

In the USA, fried chicken is Southern food comfort and everybody brags that they have perfected the best recipe ever! Not trying to diss my Southern friends and kinfolk, but Korean fried chicken, affectionately referred to as KFC, is a global sensation. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy meat on the inside, with bold flavors, and the recipe has variations. 

One of the most popular variations is yangnyeom chicken, which is coated in a sweet and spicy sauce made from a combination of gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings. This sticky flavorful sauce clings to the crispy chicken. (Admit it! You’re drooling aren’t you?) 

Another variation is ganjang chicken, glazed with a savory soy sauce-based marinade and garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. As can be seen in Korean dramas, it’s a social food served at gatherings, accompanied by beer or soju (Korean rice liquor). Fried chicken restaurants in Korea are known as chimaek joints.

Original source

Funtable Delicious Korean Chicken Sauce (14.1oz, Pack of 1) - Authentic Korean Flavor, Sticky & Tangy Sauce. https://t.co/MAplOZRHWB
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via @amazon #grocery #fun #food #foodies pic.twitter.com/pdZl2z3XnJ

— Everyday Exotic Spices Presents Food Ways (@EverydaySpices) June 5, 2024

Netflix Series: Korean Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody (2024)

This is the fourth post highlighting the programs in the Netflix Rhapsody series tracing the origins and evolution of the Korean cuisine that we enjoy today.

Korean Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody (2024)

Korean Jjajangmyeon has been described as a culinary experience that embodies the fusion of Korean and Chinese flavors. It is a popular Korean-Chinese noodle dish characterized by its savory black bean sauce. In “Wok of Love” this dish is mentioned frequently. 

Originating from Chinese immigrants in Korea, and is now a staple of Korean cuisine. The dish consists of chewy wheat noodles topped with a thick, glossy sauce made from chunjang, a Korean black bean paste. The sauce is typically stir-fried with diced beef or pork, onions, zucchini, and other vegetables. The blend of umami-rich black bean paste black bean paste, savory meat, and sweet caramelized vegetables can be described as pure harmony and that’s why it is a beloved comfort food. People enjoy it as a standalone meal but can also be paired with other Korean-Chinese dishes.

• Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody, The most heartfelt serenade to jjajangmyeon | WeVerse Magazine

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Paldo Jjajangmen Chajang Noodle Vegan No MSG 8-pack, 7.05 Ounce https://t.co/QnQcuQ8OJ6 via @amazon #food #foodies #Koreanfodd #worldcuisine @goshoppingbees @EverydaySpices pic.twitter.com/UA6veB2D6k

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) June 5, 2024

Korean Black Bean Paste Sauce for Jjajangmyeon Zhajiangmian, Jjajang Chunjang 중화요리춘장 - 1.1 Pound (Pack of 2) https://t.co/Nk2jLTKq9A via @amazon #food #foodies #Koreanfood #worldcuisine @EverydaySpices #grocery #cooking pic.twitter.com/Ir9hVWcbWJ

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) June 5, 2024

Netflix Series: Korean Pork Belly Rhapsody (2020)

This is the third post highlighting the programs in the Netflix Rhapsody series tracing the origins and evolution of the Korean cuisine that we enjoy today.

Korean Porkbelly Rhapsody (2020)

(Image credit:  Whole Foods MarketWhole Foods Market)

Korean pork belly, known as samgyeopsal (삼겹살) in Korean, is a quintessential dish in Korean cuisine and it originates from South Korea. Korean barbecue culture is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Thick slices of pork belly that are marbled with layers of fat and meat, are usually grilled at the table over a charcoal or gas grill.  The grilling caramelizes the fat, and imparts a delicious smokiness and crispiness to the meat. 

What is samgyeopsal served with? various pickled vegetables, sliced garlic, green onions, fresh lettuce leaves, and ssamjang (a savory and spicy dipping sauce made from fermented soybean paste and chili paste). 

The fun is figuring out your favorite way to eat it! This is a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Korean cuisine.

• Korean Pork Belly Rhapsody’ On Netflix Delightfully Veers Away From The Standard Culinary Travel Doc Template Popularized By Bourdain and Chang | Decider

Original source

Indoor Grill Electric Grill CUSIMAX Smokeless Grill Portable Korean #BBQ #Grill w/ Turbo Smoke Extractor Technology, Non-stick Removable Grill Plate, Tempered Glass Lid, Great for Party(Single Plate) https://t.co/FVekTcYxJA via @amazon @EverydaySpices @goshoppingbees #giftideas pic.twitter.com/WgZN9Ej23L

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) June 5, 2024

Netflix Series: Korean Hanwoo Rhapsody (2022)

This is the second post highlighting the programs in the Netflix Rhapsody series tracing the origins and evolution of the Korean cuisine that we enjoy today.  Korean Hanwoo Rhapsody ~ part of a Netflix series is intended to trace the origins and evolution of the Korean cuisine that we enjoy today. 

Korean Hanwoo Rhapsody (2022)

Korean Hanwoo is a premium breed of beef cattle native to South Korea. Food lovers praise it for its rich flavor, its exceptional quality, tenderness, marbling, and succulent texture. Hanwoo beef is a source of national pride. As such, South Korea has very strict standards to ensure the superior quality of Hanwoo cattle. Korean farmers are very meticulous throughout the breeding and rearing process. Hanwoo beef is used in a wide range of dishes, from traditional Korean barbecue (galbi) to hearty stews (jjigae) and savory soups (guk). Hanwoo symbolizes prosperity, celebration, and hospitality. It has been deemed a Korean culinary treasure.

Original source

Everyday Korean Hanwoo (Korean Edition) ~ "70 Hanwoo #Recipes" ... "10 kinds of Hanwoo #lunch" ... https://t.co/NBqUSRepDs via @amazon #food #foodies #KoreanFood #worldcuisine @EverydaySpices

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) June 5, 2024

Netflix Series: Korean Cold Noodle Rhapsody (2021)

The Netflix Rhapsody series is intended to trace the origins and evolution of the Korean cuisine that we enjoy today.  To date, there are five (5) rhapsody programs.  An EES blog post will be published to highlight each program.  This is the first post.

Korean Cold Noodle Rhapsody (2021)

Korean cold noodle, known as naengmyeon (냉면) in Korean, originated from North Korea. The dish consists of long, thin noodles made from wheat or buckwheat flour, served in a chilled broth, then topped with various ingredients. 

The toppings can include boiled egg, cucumber, Korean pear, pickled radish, and thinly sliced beef. There are different varieties and the most common variety is mul naengmyeon, which are noodles in a clear, tangy broth made from beef, chicken, or dongchimi (radish water kimchi).

Naengmyeon (cold noodle) is not only revered for its taste but also for its health benefits and cooling properties, making it a particularly popular dish during the summertime. The Korean cold noodle is often served during special occasions, like weddings or birthdays.

• Opinion | Netflix documentary Korean Cold Noodle Rhapsody explores the country’s history through a summer staple dish, while BBC’s Manhunt thrills in its second series | South China Morning Post

 

Choung Soo Mul Naengmyeon, Korean Cold Noodle with Soup Base 720g (1 Pack) https://t.co/jUs0T56dhP via @amazon #food #foodies #Koreanfood #comfortfood @EverydaySpices pic.twitter.com/pV9MdkOJ1h

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) June 3, 2024

Easy Dongchimi (Radish Water Kimchi) - @MyKoreanKitchn
~ https://t.co/3OZt4sSt0i #food #foodies #recipes #Koreanfood #worldcuisine #foodblogs @EverydaySpices pic.twitter.com/T5ONwWgGLV

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) June 3, 2024

Original source

Korean Food: A Brief Introduction to Banchan

In Korean cuisine, banchan is a small side dish served along with rice as part of an everyday meal. No Korean meal is complete without at least 2 to 3 banchan.

If you are one of my followers or subscribers then you know that my guilty pleasure is watching Korean dramas. Not only are they entertaining but they are educational and the food they eat always looks so mouth-watering. Watching them makes me hungry. I always wish I could be right there with them enjoying the food! LOL.

Netflix is doing well these days helping me satisfy my appetite for K-dramas. This streaming platform has quite a selection of movies and TV series, historical period or modern, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and more! Crash Course in Romance is a Korean series that was released on Netflix in January 2023. This series introduced me to “banchan”. One of the main characters was Nam Haeng-seon (played by Jeon Do-yeon), a lady who owned and operated a shop called “Nation’s Best Banchan”. Customers could come into the store and pick whatever banchan dishes they wanted for lunch or dinner.

Not being very familiar with Korean cuisine, my first question was: What is banchan? My second question was: What is the best banchan? I did a little research and am sharing my notes below.

NOTE 1: “Banchan means side dish in Korean, but in reality, it’s a bunch of small dishes filled to the brim with pickles and the like that scatter the table at lunch or dinner.” (REF: Hills, S. W. (2022, January 13). The Funky, Flavorful Side Dishes to Complete Any Korean Meal. Food52. food52.com/blog/17598-the-funky-flavorful-sides-a-korean-meal-wouldn-t-be-complete-without)

NOTE 2: “There are generally three main types of banchan — fresh vegetable banchan like namul or muchim; braised or soy sauce-based banchan called jorim; and well-preserved mit banchan like kimchi or jeotgal, that’s usually on hand in large batches.” (REF: Yoo, Irene. “How to Cook a Bunch of Banchan.” Food Network, Food Network, 6 May 2021, www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/how-to-cook-banchan-side-dishes-crowd. Accessed 7 Mar. 2023.)

NOTE 3: What are some popular banchan dishes? (REF: TasteAtlas. “46 Types of Banchan Sorted by Popularity.” Tasteatlas.com, TasteAtlas, 20 Nov. 2020, www.tasteatlas.com/most-popular-types-of-banchan-in-the-world. Accessed 7 Mar. 2023.)

N‌OTE 4: “Banchan dates back to the mid-Three Kingdom period, around 300s AD at a time when Buddhism was a heavy influence and meat consumption was highly discouraged. As a restyle, seasonal vegetable-based dishes became the focal point of Korean cuisine.” (REF: Angela, and admin. “Banchan History: All about Korea’s Famous Side Dishes.” FOODICLES, 2 June 2021, foodicles.com/banchan-history/. Accessed 7 Mar. 2023.)

NOTE 5: Everything you need to know about the history, etiquette, and ingredients behind banchan. (REF: Spalding, Lavinia, and Mae Hamilton. “How to Eat Korean Banchan — and a Guide to the Most Iconic Dishes.” AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 30 Aug. 2021, www.afar.com/magazine/how-to-eat-korean-banchan-and-a-guide-to-the-most-iconic-dishes. Accessed 7 Mar. 2023.)‌

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