‹ All Recipes
KIMCHI

Apple Kimchi (Sagwa Kimchi)

Apple Kimchi, or Sagwa Kimchi, is a delightful fusion of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

Gluten-FreeKimchiNo OilVegan
Apple Kimchi (Sagwa Kimchi)
PREP
30 min
🫙
FERMENT
3–7 days
TOTAL
3–7 days
🍽
YIELD
Makes ~1 L
📊
DIFFICULTY
Medium
🌍
CUISINE
Korean/Fusion

Ingredients

Everything you need.
  • 600 g apples (about 4½ cups), chopped into cubes with skin on
  • 30 g green onion (¼ cup, chopped)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tsp sea salt (5 g)
  • 1 tbsp Gutbasket Kimchi Paste

Method

Step-by-step.
  1. Salt the Apples. Mix the chopped apples with sea salt and let them sit for 15–20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  2. Prepare the Mix. Add green onions, honey, and Gutbasket Kimchi Paste to the salted apples. Mix well until evenly coated.
  3. Pack the Jar. Transfer the mixture into a clean 1L fermentation jar. Press down gently to release natural juices and eliminate air pockets.
  4. Submerge and Seal. Add a glass weight on top to keep the apples submerged. If needed, prepare a light brine (1 cup water + 1 tsp salt) and pour just enough to cover the weights. Leave about 2 inches of headspace at the top of the jar to allow room for gases to build during fermentation. Seal the jar with an airlock lid. Fill the airlock halfway with clean water so gases can escape safely without letting any air or contaminants in.
  5. Ferment for 3 Days. Place the jar at room temperature (20–25°C) for 3-5 days. You’ll notice gentle bubbling and a subtle tangy aroma as it ferments.
  6. Taste and Transfer. Taste after Day 3 — once it’s pleasantly tangy, close with a storage lid and move to the refrigerator.
  7. Chill and Enjoy. Serve chilled and consume within 2 months for the best crunch and flavor.

Watch the walkthrough

Full method on YouTube.
Recipe video

Notes & variations

Tweaks, swaps, what we've learned.
  • Quick Ferment: Apple Kimchi ferments faster due to its natural sugars — refrigerate after Day 3.
  • Headspace: Always leave 2 inches at the top to prevent overflow.
  • Submersion: Ensure all apple pieces remain under the brine.
  • Overflow Tip: Place the jar on a tray during fermentation to catch any spillover.
  • Storage: The flavor matures over time — enjoy fresh for sweetness or aged for tang.
  • Apple Kimchi is a playful twist on the classic ferment — mildly sweet, lightly spicy, and bursting with probiotics. It’s a great way to introduce fermented foods into your diet while keeping flavors bright and refreshing.
  • Simplify your next batch with GutBasket Kimchi Making Kit — complete with the 1 L jar, airlock + storage lids, pre-measured Kimchi Paste, and recipe booklet. Everything you need for bold, flavorful, hassle-free kimchi.
MAKE THIS RECIPE
Get the kit that does the work for you.
Pre-measured spice mix, the right jar, an airlock, glass weight, and a recipe book that includes this one. No guessing.
Kimchi Making Kit
Kimchi Making Kit
Rs. 1,499.00
Shop Now →