The BBC says global interest in kimchi is rising thanks to scientific research showing that the spicy dish can help fight bird flu.

The report on Monday quoted Seoul National University scientists as saying eleven out of thirteen infected chickens started to recover a week after being fed an extract of kimchi.

The BBC also noted the sharp increase in kimchi consumption two years ago, when thousands of people in Asia contracted SARS. The food was thought to have helped prevent SARS, though the claim was never scientifically proven.

Kimchi is made by fermenting cabbage with radish, red pepper, garlic and ginger. It is considered a symbol of Korean national cuisine.