Madge's Food Company, Kimchi Spicy, 15 Ounce

At my local supermarket I've been buying ordinary kimchi, most brands were similar to one another. They were adequate, but no more than that. I recently read an article explaining that fermented products contribute strongly to gut health and thought, "I need that. Time for me to start including kimchi into the big salad I eat every day!" For "once in a while" I was willing to let the supermarket buyer pick the brand, but for daily use I need to make that decision myself. I looked closely at every kimchi Amazon offers. When I got to Madge's I re-read it several times. Vegan, good! I'm not a vegan myself but I do eat top quality salmon every day in its own oil, and didn't want any anonymous "fish oil" in it. No sugar, good! I'm a diabetic, but besides that sugar masks the flavor of the kimchi ingredients. As I read the description, it definitely looked as if Madge is offering a premium grade kimchi. The only remaining decision was mild or spicy. I expected to prefer the mild, but ordered both to be sure. They arrived well packaged. I tried the mild first, and found it even better than expected, a pure healthy taste. The next day I tried the spicy and was delighted with it as well. The heat level seemed appropriate, a sharp tang that matched the pure healthy taste. I liked them both so I got to thinking about a medium spice level, then realized I already had it. I could just mix the mild and spicy in my salad to any heat level I liked. Finally, Mike & Madge show a sense of humor in the information sheet they included with the order. Looks as if they're a young couple with lots of personality, starting a new business intent on offering the best kimchi there is. They're now responsible for supplying all my kimchi from now on!

Be aware, only two were received due to availability; however, when received, BOTH jars were leaking even though the lids and seals look secure. Liquid dripping down both jars and plastic protectors have liquid laying at bottom.

I love kimchi in general and had no preconceived notions when I ordered this, other than the idea that it would be a good low carb snack as it is made without sugar.It's very good!This is not especially spicy (to me) though one's mileage in that department will certainly vary. I find it tangy and tasty. It's a very good addition to a keto lunch plate of some naturally smoked cheddar cheese, sliced avocado with everything bagel seasoning and a few tablespoons of pecans and macadamia nuts.The packaging was done well. In addition to being in a nest of styro peanuts, the jar was in a ziplock bag and then wrapped in a thick layer of bubble wrap. There was a minute amount of seepage but that was confined to the ziplock and did not compromise the package or the kimchi. I let it rest in the refrigerator over night and when I opened it the next day, there was no pressure built up or any foul odor. It's a real treat and a nice change from kombucha which I drink for the probiotic benefits-not the taste. I detest natto and sauerkraut so Madge's fills the probiotic bill very nicely. I will most definitely order again and again.

First of all I would like to emphasize that even if they arrive with some leakage, this does not mean there is any spoilage. Please read before you purchase. This product is very safe to eat. Mine did not arrive with any leakage & you must refrigerate immediately. Even if there is a leak, not to worry. This is natural fermentation. Some of the reviews are astonishingly ignorant of this in spite of the company stating clearly that this is a natural phenomenon that can happen. Now to the quality of the product: I was somewhat disappointed to taste a bit too much salt. It states it has minimum salt, but I would have to agree with another review, I tasted a bit too much salt. I understand that spices could be misconstrued for salt taste, but salt is what I tasted. I had posed a question asking about the correct salt content, and it was not answered. The cabbage is not cut up in tiny pieces so you will get the traditional slightly larger pieces. Taste is great. I have discovered locally made Kimchi that has a phenomenal taste & the indicated salt is higher but at least it seems to be honest at 13%. I don't want salt, but if you like Kimchi, salt is what you will get. This locally created Kimchi comes in a pouch with a breathable airway so the fermentation can do its thing. Fermentation is what Kimchi does so be prepared for a possible leakage. Both taste very good. I will discontinue to purchase this in favor of the local Kimchi which is priced a whole lot better, is of superb quality. I only wish to have absolute surety that the low salt content is exactly what is in the Kimchi. Spicy is what Kimchi is all about. Cabbage, garlic, peppers, spices delight the tongue and tickle the throat and clear the nose. Go ahead & try it.

Honestly, the manufacturer should have a long warning to first time buyers and eaters like me. I'll have to do it#1. Don't take the bottle out of it's zip lock baggie. The mason jar bottle is like a hundred vigorously shaken cans of beer just ready to explode.#2. Use one of those round rubber can opener helpers to slowly unscrew the top whilest still in the baggie. My mason jar top had already popped up while still in the shipping box. As you slowly unscrew, most of the juice will burst out of the jar at an alarming rate and an inch of the kimchi will protrude out the top of jar from the enormous pressure.#3. Slowly open the baggie and have a container ready to accept all the spilled juice for use later.#4. Kimchi to me has no flavor. It's crunchy bits of cabbage. I got the "hot" version. Wasn't very hot to me which is good. Only used a tablespoon on my dinner as recommended for 1'st timers like me. Trying it for the probiotics which I need. Let you know what happens next tomorrow morning when I use the bathroom. Hopefully I won't have to be in a baggie.