Gamtae, one of South Korea’s rarest seaweeds, has captured the attention of Michelin-starred chefs both in South Korea and abroad. Traditionally harvested and consumed raw by locals in the Seosan region for centuries, this earthy and sweet seaweed has now gained global recognition thanks to Ju-hyeon Song and her family business, Badasoop. Despite the unpredictable harvests and rising prices of gamtae, Ju-hyeon successfully transformed this local delicacy into a worldwide sensation.
The journey of taking gamtae from a small industry to a thriving business was not without its challenges. With its limited availability and increasing demand from the culinary world, the price of gamtae has soared. However, Ju-hyeon’s dedication and hard work have paid off, as the seaweed has become highly sought after by Michelin-starred chefs who are willing to pay a premium for its unique and exquisite flavor profile.
The story of gamtae serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting traditional ingredients with a modern twist. Ju-hyeon’s success in putting this rare seaweed on the map highlights the potential for local delicacies to captivate a global audience when combined with innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. As the popularity of gamtae continues to rise, one can only wonder what other hidden culinary gems may emerge from different regions around the world.
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Video “Why Michelin-Starred Chefs Are Paying Premium For One Of Korea’s Rarest Seaweeds | So Expensive” was uploaded on 06/22/2024 to Youtube Channel Business Insider