Umeboshi (Salted Plum) – 1.7 kg

Enjoy the true flavour of Japan Cuisine!

Umeboshi, also referred to as Japanese Salted Plum, is an ancient delicacy that is made from Ume fruit, which is a variant of Japanese plum or apricot. Umeboshi is mostly loved because of its bold, salty-sour flavour, and health benefits. It is not just a condiment, but a superfood that is deeply imbibed in Japanese culture and cuisine.

What is Umeboshi?

Umeboshi are pickled and salted ume fruits that are fermented in brine and sea salt and sometimes with shiso (perilla) leaves, which infuse the ume fruits with a deep reddish-pink colour and an herbal aroma. Traditionally, the plums are picked in early summer months, soaked to remove the bitterness, salted severely, and then left out to dry in the sun during the summer months before being aged for several months.

Colour& Texture:

• Color: Reddish pink when pickled with shiso leaves or light brownish or beige without these leaves.
• Texture: The outside is soft and wrinkled and the flesh is dense and chewy.

Flavour Profile:

• Taste: strong innovative mixture of saltiness, tanginess, with a hint of fruity flavours for rich umami Flavour.
• Aroma: Earthy, faintly floral, with a slight amount of fermented fruitiness.

How It is Made (Traditional Process)

• Harvest: Ume fruits are harvested prior to ripening when the fruit is hard and green.
• Brining: The fruits are coated with sea salt and left to ferment naturally.
• Sun-Drying: After fermentation, they are sun-dried for several days, after which, they are further aged in the brine again.
• Aging: The plums are aged for months to attain the characteristic flavour and probiotic properties.

Culinary Uses:

• Rice Companion: For centuries, Umeboshi is enjoyed with plain rice or with rice balls, called onigiri.
• Condiment: One of the staple condiments to make sushi, salads, and bento boxes salty and tangy.
• Beverage Infusion: Enjoy a refreshing and detoxifying drink by stirring it into hot tea or water.
• Flavour Enhancer: Add flavour to the sauces, dressings, and marinades to give an extra touch of umami.

Health Benefits:

• Boost digestion and gut health
• High in antioxidants and alkaline minerals.
• Traditionally believed to detoxify the body and reduce fatigue

Storage Instructions:

• Keep in a dark, cool, and dry area.
• Seal in an airtight container or refrigerate to maintain flavour and freshness.