Do You Need to Refrigerate Kimchi?

Once opened, kimchi should be refrigerated to help it last longer. Kimchi is not considered shelf stable because of its numerous healthy bacteria, so you shouldn't keep it at room temperature. In fact, store-bought kimchi tends to be fermented and stored at a constant temperature of 39°F (4°C) ( 7 ).

How do you store kimchi without a refrigerator?

If you've bought pasteurized or heat-treated kimchi, you can store an unopened jar in the pantry or kitchen. Just make sure it sits in a cool place that's away from sunlight and sources of heat. Heat treatment kills all the bacteria in kimchi, so there's no need to keep it refrigerated.

Should unopened kimchi be refrigerated?

The warmer the storage temperature, the faster the fermentation. You can store unopened kimchi at room temperature or in the fridge, depending on whether you like it more or less acidic. Once you open the container, it's generally best to refrigerate it, to keep the fermentation in check.