|
|
|
Muk- Typical Korean Jelly Food
uk is a typical Korean delicacy, made from buckwheat, mung bean (chief source of bean sprouts) or acorn curd. It is rather rubbery and bland in texture, and looks like a jelly-like slab. This food does not have any particular taste so to speak, however, once mixed with soy sauce, ginger, garlic and chilli, it makes a great side dish. It is very popular as a snack and also as a main dish.
>> Varieties of Muk
Green Pea Muk
Cheongpo Muk and Hwangpo Muk are two types of green pea Muk. To make green pea Muk, put skinned green peas into a cotton bag, press while pouring water over it, then leave the mixture to soak in water. A small starch residue should result from the process, which is what green pea Muk consists of. Another name for this dish is Nokdu Muk, or White Muk. When the starch residue is dyed yellow with gardenia seeds, we call it Hwangpo Muk. It is said that the Yang-Ban aristocracy used to enjoy Green Pea Muk.
Acorn Muk
Acorn Muk is obtained through the same process as above, but this time using acorns, which have been previously ground. Acorn Muk used to be produced to relieve famine during poor harvest years. It has now become a favorite food served during national festivities and special celebration days. Its popularity is ever increasing in view of its natural properties and its taste very much depends on the region it originates from and the seasoning that accompanies it.
Buckwheat Muk
Buckwheat Muk is made of buckwheat flour. This side dish is as popular in the public eye as Acorn Muk.
| Season for Muk |
|
Like many Korean foods, each type of Muk has its season. Buckwheat Muk is best served in the winter and especially at night. In the 1970-1980’s, merchants would go from village to village selling Buckwheat Muk at nighttime. Acorn Muk is best during mid summer, while Cheongpo Muk is a spring dish. Muk has kind of lost its seasonal aspect over the years, though some families do keep with traditions.
|
(Sourced from WHAT'S ON SEOUL)
|
|
|
