"November 22 Every Year is Kimchi Day in New Jersey"... Is China Watching?

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy Signs 'Kimchi Day' Resolution
Assemblywoman Ellen Park: "Korean-Related Bills Bear Fruit"

Following China's claim that bibimbap, as well as kimchi, originated in China, the United States is declaring Kimchi Day. New Jersey has become a hot topic by deciding to commemorate November 22 every year as 'Kimchi Day.'

(On the right) Ellen Park, a New Jersey State Assembly member, conducting a kimchi tasting event.
[Photo by Ellen Park]

On the 18th (local time), New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the Kimchi Day resolution passed by the state legislature. The resolution, led by New Jersey State Assemblywoman Ellen Park, aims to celebrate the history of kimchi, which was introduced to the U.S. through the Korean immigrant community and has since been loved by other ethnic groups as well.

Currently, besides New Jersey, California, Virginia, and New York have also established Kimchi Day as a state-level commemorative day.

Assemblywoman Park said, "Korean-related bills that we have worked on for a long time have borne fruit," adding, "We will do our best to enhance the practical status and benefits of Korean Americans in the future." Earlier, Assemblywoman Park actively promoted that kimchi is a traditional food appearing in Korean history over 2,000 years ago, and that the kimjang culture, embodying Korean wisdom, is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The New Jersey legislature has also shown a friendly stance toward the Korean community, passing a resolution commemorating 'Hanbok Day' in 2021, the first among the 50 U.S. states.

■ How to Make Healthy 'Tomato Kimchi' Recommended by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety

[Ingredients] Cherry tomatoes 200g, Nutritional chive 20g, Onion 40g, Green chili pepper 15g, Red chili pepper 15g, Banana 40g, Red pepper powder 15g, Plum syrup 10g, Simple fish soy sauce 15g, Whole sesame seeds 2g, Minced garlic 15g, Sesame oil 5g, Salted seafood 5g
1. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
2. Julienne the green chili pepper, red chili pepper, and onion, and cut the chives into bite-sized pieces.
3. Blend the banana, pear, and salted seafood, then mix with red pepper powder.
4. Add plum syrup, simple fish soy sauce, whole sesame seeds, minced garlic, and sesame oil to the prepared sauce to make the final kimchi sauce.
5. Mix the ingredients with the sauce.
6. Finally, add the nutritional chive to complete the kimchi.