Kimchi: The New World Twist on an Ancient DishHow Portuguese traders redefined a nation's cuisine.

From the show

Food History Unpacked

The story of kimchi reveals how global trade can fundamentally alter a country's most iconic cultural traditions. For centuries, Korea's staple dish was a non-spicy pickle. That changed in the 16th century when a New World crop—the chili pepper—was introduced by European merchants. This single ingredient transformed the dish into the fiery red version known today, a direct result of the Columbian Exchange.