Jeonju Minari (dropwort) and the Movie “Minari” (2021 Oscar nominee)

Minari (2021) is a movie about a Korean family’s American dream. The movie has drawn a good amount of attention and positive responses from the audiences and film critics around the world. Also, the movie has been nominated for the Best Picture in the 93^rd Academy Awards

As the movie attract more spotlights, more people are wondering what the movie title “Minari” stands for. Minari, or dropwort, is a plant tough enough to survive in harsh environments. Hence the plant symbolizes the strong will of the Korean family struggling to survive in the unfamiliar land.

Minari, which appears in the movie, is a popular food ingredient in Korea. The minari from Jeonju is renowned for its high quality.

What’s special about Jeonju minari

Jeonju has been also renowned for minari. In the past, minari fields were mostly around Hwasandong area. But with the growth of the city, the minari fields moved to the vicinities of Jeonju.

Jeonju minari has more tender stem. Also it grows underwater during winter. Hence, the flavor and scent of Jeonju minari is second to none. Minari is good for liver and intestine, but it’s also cheap enough to eat every day.

Effects of minari

Minari is good for liver since it helps getting rid of toxic things and heavy metals accumulated in our body and reducing inflammation. Also, the abundant fiber of minari stimulates vowel movements, and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol level. However, minari might not go well with people who have generally lower body temperature or those who frequently have diarrhea. Also, minari is better when parboiled than fresh.

How to choose good minari

The minari season is from early spring to early summer. Choose light green ones with thicker stem, but without withered leaves. Slightly tender minari is better than too hard ones.

​How to eat minari

Minari can be cooked in various ways. People usually add minari in fish stew or different hot pots to enjoy its flavor. I suggest trying the seasonal minari this spring to boost health!