CHEONG GUK JANG Health Benefits
Cheong Guk Jang is a health food full of nutrients, most notably Vitamin K2. Fermented foods are rich in this rare but powerful vitamin that activates calcium-building proteins (healthy bones and teeth!). This pungent bean paste is also full of beneficial bacteria for digestive health which has shown to affect all aspects of a person’s health ranging from mental health to the effectiveness of their immune system.
Cheong Guk Jang is made by fermentation using the bacteria Bacillus Subtilis. This bacteria is present in the air and has antioxidant activity. Before the availability of commercial antibiotics in the 1950’s, it was widely used medically for its antibiotic properties. Some parts of Europe and the Middle East still use it as such in alternative medicine.
Cheong Guk Jang is made from soybeans which are very high in protein. Soy has shown benefits to lowering cholesterol levels, reducing certain cancer risks and reducing type 2 diabetes by improving cell sensitivity to insulin.
Other fermented foods that have similar health benefits include ripened cheeses like Munster, Camembert and aged Gouda. Beef liver and egg yolks also make the list but it would be best to stick with the grass-fed variety. Sauerkraut is also famous for promoting optimal gut health.
how to eat cheong guk jang?
Single serving ready-to-eat seasoned Cheong Guk Jang. Add fresh ingredients (or not), bring to a boil and eat with rice. Found in the refrigerated/frozen foods section.
Cheong Guk Jang is an ideal food to consume for its many nutritional properties. Enjoy a hot bowl of CHEONG GUK JANG JJIGAE (Click here to see how to cook it at home) and get your dose of healthy carbohydrates and fats with a high protein content. With its various health-enriching vitamins (Vitamin B1 Thiamin helps the nerve, muscles and heart function), minerals (Copper improves immune function) and plant compounds (Isoflavones have shown that they may improve IBS symptoms) it is a truly complete meal. The humble superfood soybean crossed with the power of fermentation, cooked Korean-style produces a hearty and filling stew.
Cheong Guk Jang Probiotic
The probiotic element of Cheong Guk Jang comes from its fermentation. Using beneficial bacteria ubiquitous in the air around us, soybeans ferment in a short 2-3 days without any salt. You will know it’s done right when you see the gooey strings sticking to the beans. This is the same signature effect that the more famous natto is known for. And that is how this food becomes a superpower food capable of promoting healthy gut bacteria that aids digestion and promotes anti-aging properties,
what does cheong guk jang smell like?
The smell of Cheong Guk Jang is described at best as wet gym socks or smelly feet and at worst a dead body. Those who grew up eating this stew chock-full of nutrients will salivate at the aroma, and then there are those who can’t even be in the vicinity of it being cooked.
Even within Korea, it’s considered inappropriate to cook this in an apartment setting as the neighbours on your entire floor will have to endure the smell of your dinner. Cheong Guk Jang lovers in this scenario will make the trip to a restaurant to enjoy this special meal.
What if I can’t stand the smell of Cheong Guk Jang?
Because of its numerous health benefits (may prevent cancer and dementia, constipation and diarrhea) but off-putting odour, companies have risen to the occasion so everyone can have a chance to try this functional food.
As is the case with any natural supplement, it’s all fine and dandy to see a nice label filled with fancy marketing. Just make sure you get this health supplement from a trusted source. Also keep in mind that the body processes how you intake vitamins and minerals differently. Whole foods are always the best option, but if you just can’t stand the stink, why torture yourself? Good news, it comes in many forms.
Odourless Cheong Guk Jang powder
In 1993, Dr. Hyun-Gyu Joo found a way to suppress the overwhelming odour of Cheong Guk Jang with the development of an enzyme using mugwort while retaining all of the health benefits and original taste.
A university professor by trade, Dr. Joo formed a small food company Cheong Ho Foods. It was more a research centre than a commercial company and operations were run by husband and wife employing a few locals. Solely operating from word of mouth, they supplied nearby golf courses and restaurants.
Dr. Joo passed away in 2002 and his wife reluctanly continued on without him. She also passed away in 2013 and their son has since taken over the company. He faced many obstacles trying to mass market this product as “odourless”. Because of how we enjoy foods with all of our senses, those who have acquired the taste for Cheong Guk Jang just cannot imagine it without its particular aroma.
After much thought, he decided to make the product into a mixable powder. It was no easy task as he had to retain all the inherent nutrients and health benefits while changing its form entirely. This took much analysis into his father’s research and writings. All that hard work came to fruition and a health product was born. The response proved explosive.
Easily mixed into any foods or drinks, the company had a repeat order rate of 50%. Customers reported it improved their digestion and was a perfect meal supplement for diets. Nowadays you will be faced with numerous choices in brands when looking for odourless Cheong Guk Jang at the store. An unexpectedly tragic story but a very good option for those seeking all the benefits without the smell.
Cheong Guk Jang snacks
Bummed out you can’t try it? You can find some stuff online!
CHEONG GUK JANG POWDER: When you want a power boost your immune system and love putting stuff in smoothies.
CHEONG GUK JANG INSTANT PACKS: When you just want to know what the hoopla is about but don’t want to commit. Try it before you knock it!