The Differences of sensory quality in kimchi from Korea and Indonesia: A Systematic Review

Kimchi is a traditional Korean fermented food made from mixed vegetables and unique ingredients. Kimchi is a functional food with a probiotic effect that gives consumers health benefits, especially on the intestines. This literature review aimed to determine the differences in sensory quality of kimchi products in South Korea and Indonesia. We performed a systematic literature review using search engines: Google Scholar, NCBI, Science Direct, Neliti, and Research Gate to search for articles. The number of articles we found for this systematic review is 21 articles. In conclusion, the sensory of Kimchi between Indonesia and Korea can be affected by five factors: (1) metabolic production of lactic acid bacteria, (2) food starter, including type of vegetables and other seafood, (3) salt and salting process, (4) spices, including capsaicinoids, gojugaru, and (5) Fermentation time. The taste of Kimchi from Indonesia is less spicy and less acidic compared to Korean Kimchi. Kimchi from Korea is spicier because Korean Kimchi contains gochugaru that can affect the spiciness. Kimchi in Korea is sourer and has a softer texture because Korea has a longer fermentation time than Indonesia. The Kimchi produced in Indonesia is less acidic because the Indonesian salt concentration is higher, which affect the acidity of Kimchi and the texture is harder than Korean Kimchi.