Have any of you living in Korea ever tasted ‘Cheongyang pepper’? When most foreign friends eat Haejangguk or Bulgogi, traditional Korean dishes, they often taste a special type of pepper grown in Korea called 'Cheongyang pepper.' However, most of my friends say that 'Cheongyang pepper' is simply a type of pepper, and many do not know how this pepper is related to Korean cuisine.
Therefore, this time, I would like to introduce you to 'Cheongyang pepper', which is commonly used in Korean cuisine, and also find out why Koreans love 'Cheongyang pepper' so much.
Introduction to Cheongyang pepper
Cheongyang pepper is one of the hottest pepper varieties grown in Korea. It was developed in 1983 by Dr. Yoo Il-woong of Joongang Seongmyo, and was named “Cheongyang Pepper” after Cheongsong and Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, where research and test cultivation was conducted on pepper farmers for three years. The spiciness of Cheongyang pepper ranges from 4,000 to 12,000 Scoville, and the name Cheongyang (靑陽) pepper is a pepper variety developed by Joongang Seed, a seed company, in 1983. In addition to Cheongyang, Joongang Seongmyo produces Cheongmyeong, Cheongbok, Joeun, and Johyang. We have developed and registered dozens of pepper varieties, including , Johong, etc.
Cheongyang peppers are characterized by a strong spicy taste and dark red color. The thickness and length vary, and are generally about 5 to 10 cm. Cheongyang peppers contain more vitamin C than other peppers, and an ingredient called capsaicin stimulates appetite and aids digestion. It also strengthens immunity and has anti-cancer effects.
Source: Cheongyang pepper seasoning: Cheongyang pepper stewed in soy sauce (10000recipe.com)
Cheongyang peppers can be used in a variety of dishes. For example, Cheongyang pepper soy sauce pickle can be easily made as a mouth-watering side dish. Cheongyang pepper marinade can be stir-fried with meat or vegetables to enjoy a spicy taste. Additionally, Cheongyang peppers can be added to kimchi, stew, and fried rice to add flavor and color.
Cheongyang peppers and Korean cuisine
There are many reasons why Korean cuisine uses so much Cheongyang pepper.
First, Cheongyang pepper is one of the hottest pepper varieties grown in Korea, and is well suited to the tastes of Koreans who like spicy flavors. Second, Cheongyang peppers are rich in vitamin C, and an ingredient called capsaicin stimulates appetite and aids digestion. It is also good for your health as it strengthens immunity and has anti-cancer effects. Third, Cheongyang peppers can be used in a variety of dishes. For example, Cheongyang red pepper paste becomes a delicious spicy and sweet sauce when used in stir-fried dishes or dried fish side dishes. Cheongyang pepper fish cake pancake is a pancake that goes well with chewy and savory fish cake and spicy Cheongyang pepper. Potato Jjageul is a dish made by adding potatoes, spam, onions, and Cheongyang peppers, seasoning them with red pepper powder, red pepper paste, soy sauce, minced garlic, cooking wine, soybean paste, and sugar, and then boiling them. The lightness of the potatoes and the saltiness of the seasoning are in harmony.
Looking at it this way, you can see why Cheongyang peppers are used a lot in Korean cuisine. Cheongyang pepper is good for Koreans' taste and health, and is an ingredient that can be applied to various dishes.
I recommend trying Cheongyang pepper. I like Cheongyang peppers and eat them often. It contains a lot of vitamin C, and an ingredient called capsaicin stimulates appetite and aids digestion. It also strengthens immunity and has anti-cancer effects. It can be used in a variety of Korean dishes.
However, whether you recommend trying Cheongyang pepper depends on your taste and physical condition. If you are not good at spicy food or have a weak stomach, you should be careful with Cheongyang peppers. Eating too much is bad for your stomach and can cause pain or discomfort in your mouth and throat. Therefore, it is recommended to consume it in moderation.
I recommend trying Cheongyang pepper. But you should decide based on your own taste and body condition. If you eat Cheongyang peppers, you can feel the spicy taste and health benefits.
