[Food] Gwa-Meh-Ghi(과메기), the dried pacific saury

There are some seasonal special dishes in Korea. Gwa-Meh-Ghi(과메기), the dried pacific saury is one of them.

과메기 is one of the very traditional food which is originated from south eastern sea side of Korean peninsula. This is only available during winter season, between December and January.

 

Long before, 과메기 was only available on the manufacturing area because of the freshness is very important for this food. 과메기 is pacific saury, a type of fish, naturally dried by sea breeze and sun light. No preservative or any artificial seasoning is added. That is the reason why this is only available during winter season.

과메기 is very good for your body. This is really rich in Omega 3, the fish oil, which helps you to keep your blood clean. So, although 과메기 is very oily food, all the fats are actually 'good' fats, other than that is all protein. That is the reason why most of Koreans enjoy this during winter season as a healthy food.

 

As I mentioned above, you could only eat this by actually visiting the production site. However, since logistics system is well developed, this is also available on common big supermarkets like Emart and Lottemart. 

 

A set of 과메기 usually has the fish, vegetables, sea weed, raw garlic & pepper, and the special red sause. You can try whatever you want with the fish. The best mix is to wrap it with sea weed with garlic. If you are not good at eating spicy food, just try the fish with the red sause, the sause is not so spicy :)

Life is full of adventures!

과메기 is a special food only available in Korea, and this is not too "irregular" for foreigners. So.. Try it while your stay in Korea :) Good luck.