How to Store Gochugaru (Korean Chili Powder) for a Year
[Life Hack] Keep Your Gochugaru Fresh for a Whole Year!
Discover the best method to store gochugaru (Korean chili powder) so you can enjoy its vibrant color and flavor for up to a year. Keep your kimchi tasting its best with this simple storage tip!
Ingredients & Supplies- Amount of gochugaru to be stored
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare to portion your gochugaru for storage. Once opened, gochugaru is easily exposed to air, which can cause its color to fade and its flavor to diminish quickly. By dividing it into smaller portions, you minimize air contact each time you use it, thus preserving its freshness for a longer period. It’s much more effective to store it in smaller, manageable quantities rather than frequently opening and closing a large container.
Step 2
Divide the gochugaru into clean zipper-lock bags in your desired portion sizes. Zipper bags are excellent at blocking air, making them perfect for gochugaru storage. Don’t fill the bags too full; leave a little space at the top for a secure seal.
Step 3
After filling the zipper bags with gochugaru, press out as much air as possible. Before sealing the zipper, gently push the air out using your fingers or a straw to ensure a tight seal. Removing excess air is crucial for preventing oxidation and maintaining the gochugaru’s freshness.
Step 4
Now, get an airtight container ready to hold the bagged gochugaru. This container will protect the gochugaru from external moisture and odors. Place one or two silica gel packets (desiccants) at the bottom of the airtight container. Silica gel absorbs moisture, preventing the gochugaru from becoming damp and inhibiting mold growth. (You can even reuse silica gel packets from packaging like toothpick boxes!)
Step 5
Carefully place the air-expelled, bagged gochugaru into the prepared airtight container. If you have multiple bags, try to stack them in a single layer rather than overlapping them for better organization and protection.
Step 6
Securely close the lid of the airtight container. Make sure it’s sealed tightly, ideally with a ‘click’ sound, to completely block out external air and moisture. Ensure the lid fits well for maximum effectiveness.
Step 7
The ideal place to store this sealed gochugaru is in a kimchi refrigerator, as they maintain a consistent low temperature, which helps preserve the color and flavor for a long time. If you don’t have a kimchi refrigerator, storing it in a regular refrigerator is an option, but using the freezer is highly recommended for even better preservation. When storing in the fridge or freezer, it’s helpful to place the container upside down, as this can further reduce moisture buildup. (Storing it towards the back of the fridge, rather than in the door, is also better as it experiences less temperature fluctuation.)
