The most pristine anchovies from Korea

Anchovies, known as "myeolchi" in Korean, are like the superstar ingredient representing Korean cuisine. They make their way onto Korean dining tables in a wide variety of delicious dishes. Don't be fooled by their small size, because these little fish are packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that are incredibly good for both kids and adults.

When it comes to calcium, anchovies are true champions, containing 10 to 20 times more calcium than milk. That means they're fantastic for keeping your bones strong and healthy. Depending on their size and intended use, anchovies may go by different names and have varying price ranges. The smaller ones are often stir-fried and enjoyed as a popular banchan (side dish), while the larger ones are perfect for creating flavorful broths.

Tongyeong, a protected clean sea, is famous for producing the best anchovies in Korea. In fact, around 70% of the anchovies caught in Korea go through auctions in Tongyeong before they reach the market. That's also where Kevin's Choice anchovies begin their journey, all the way from the Tongyeong auction house to your dinner table. (If you check out Kevin's Choice Instagram, you can even see Kevin himself visiting the auction house and handpicking the best anchovies.)

Anchovies from 청정곳간 (Chungjung Got-gan, Kevin’s Choice’s anchovy manufacturer) have gained widespread recognition for their exceptional quality in Korea. Typically, many anchovies undergo minimal processing or cleaning, being transferred directly from auctions to distributors and then to consumers. As a result, when you open a package of anchovies, you might find other small fish and sea creatures, along with dust particles from the production and drying process, mixed in with the anchovies.

However, 청정곳간 facilities go above and beyond to ensure that consumers receive anchovies of the finest quality in top-notch condition. They implement three stages of meticulous foreign material removal and three stages of thorough sterilization. Additionally, 청정곳간’s facility is HACCP certified and has received quality certification from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. Anchovies undergo careful cleaning, removing any foreign substances using manual labor and innovative wind-powered devices. Subsequently, they undergo sterilization using food-grade alcohol and infrared technology. It's noteworthy that 청정곳간’s three-stage sterilization processes are the first and only in Korea’s anchovy industry.

In essence, anchovies, particularly those from 청정곳간, are prized gems in Korean cuisine. They offer a wide range of culinary possibilities and boast numerous nutritional benefits. The best part? You don't have to travel all the way to Korea to get your hands on the finest anchovies. They're readily available right here in the United States at affordable prices!

keywords: anchovies, dried seafood, banchan, korean food store, korean food market