SEOUL, SEPT 20 – An unprecedented heat wave across South Korea has sent cabbage prices soaring, according to data released today, with the vegetable used in the famous national dish, kimchi jumped almost 70 percent year on year.
The price of a cabbage hit US$7.02 yesterday – up 69.1 percent from the same day last year, according to data released by the state-run Korea Agro-Fishery & Food Trade Corporation.
Cabbage is the main ingredient kimchi, the country’s famous spicy fermented dish that is eaten daily by most Koreans.
Experts say that rising summer temperatures are causing supply instability – especially for upland cabbage, which thrives in cooler climates. – AFP