Gochugaru

Gochugaru is a type of red pepper flakes used in Korean cuisine. It is made from dried chili peppers that have been ground into fine flakes, and is known for its bright red color and spicy flavor. Gochugaru is a key ingredient in dishes such as kimchi, gochujang sauce, and various stews, soups and stir-fries. The peppers used in gochugaru can range from mild to very hot, so the level of spice may vary depending on the particular brand or variety. Gochugaru is widely available in Korean grocery stores, as well as some specialty supermarkets and online retailers.

Ingredients

The main and only ingredient of Gochugaru is dried red chili peppers. Sometimes, the seeds are removed before grinding them into flakes to reduce the heat level. However, different varieties of dried chili peppers can also be mixed together to create a unique flavor and spice level. Some brands may also add a little salt or other seasonings to their gochugaru. But generally, gochugaru is made solely from sun-dried red chili peppers.

Nutritional Facts

The nutritional facts of gochugaru can vary depending on the specific brand and type of red pepper flakes used. However, in general, gochugaru is a low-calorie and low-fat seasoning that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Per 1 tablespoon (8 grams) serving, gochugaru typically contains:

• Calories: 24
• Fat: 1 gram
• Sodium: 4 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 4 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Vitamin A: 29% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 9% of the DV
• Iron: 5% of the DV

Gochugaru is also known to contain capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their spiciness. Capsaicin has been linked to several health benefits, including increasing metabolism, reducing inflammation, and improving heart health. However, consuming too much capsaicin can also cause digestive discomfort in some people.