When I learned that Tenpin (my daughter) would be staying in Tokyo for a week or so, my first thought was 'Umeboshi'. "Bring some".
I had only eaten them once before, when they were given as a gift by a Japanese girl. However, their flavour has haunted me, and this was the perfect opportunity to reacquaint myself.
If you have never tasted Umeboshi, or even heard of them, I shall try to give some idea of what they are.
They are small Ume Japanese plums that have been salted and flavoured with red shisho leaves, then left to dry in the sun for a few days. I believe the Ume plums are more like apricots than actual plums.
They taste salty and vinegary. Not, maybe, to everyone's taste, but they are to mine.
Umeboshi are quite expensive to buy in the UK, so next year I intend to make some myself. I won't be able to buy Ume plums, but I shall try with either Mirabelles or the semi wild small plums that we grow in France, that we call Bird plums. Maybe I'll try both. I'm not certain of success, but I shall report back on my efforts next summer.
In Japan they claim that if you eat one Umeboshi per day, you will never need to see a doctor. What better recommendation could there be!
33 comments:
They do sound delicious. Perhaps you could try making them with plumcots, which are a plum/apricot hybrid.
I used to work for a Japanese oil company and there were always delicacies in the fridge. I remember some sort of sour plum, but not these. Enjoy.
I agree, they sound delicious. Will be interesting to see how yours will turn out
Where on earth would I buy 'plumcots' ? But they do sound perfect.
'Sour plums' sounds very much like Umeboshi, perhaps they were simply a different type.
The combination of plum, salt, and sunshine must make something edible at least. Whether they'll taste like Umeboshi remains to be seen.
I love Polish pickled plums....must be the equivalent!
They sound exotic - I love most pickles but think I'd need to try one before I make a judgement.
Good luck with your experiments, look forward to hearing how they turn out.
An apple? For in Merry Olde England it is claimed that an apple a day doth keepeth the doctor away!
I wonder if they're the same, I must try to find some.
I'm looking forward to my experiments already, even though it'll be another 5 months before I can do anything.
An apple never worked for me; I'm now relying on Umeboshi.
Exploring the world, one bite at a time.
They're an acquired taste and I love them. Was first introduced to them by a Vegan friend but haven't tasted them in years. Our local health-food store usually has them in stock and you've inspired me to go pick up a packet today. Their health benefits are quite impressive, so long as you don't overdue!
Over-do. Damn auto correct.
In a way, yes. And very nice too.
I quite expect the health benefits are exaggerated, but I don't mind. They're delicious.
I've never heard of them and shall look for them in the shops. Pickled anything usually appeals to me.
They're more salted than pickled, but there is a pickled taste about them. If you like pickles, you'll probably like Umeboshi.
Those fruity snacks sound delicious!
Since I love most types of pickles, I imagine pickled plums would be delicious. I'd certainly give them a try, if I had the chance.
If these are the pickled plums sometimes served up with sushi then I am in agreement with you that they are an absolute delight.
Family know that when they see the large jars of Umeboshi they buy me one. I know you usually have one with your food I always have a few. Favorite breakfast is rice some tuna, soy sauce, a fluff of sesame seeds and enjoy. Family found a salad dressing sauce that is made from the umeboshi i use it on everything also a Yuzo one. Heaven !
Have never heard of them but would love to taste them. Are they something you might eat with cold meats ? XXXX
Not sure they would make it through customs.
They are addictive.
You'd need to like salty things; if you do, you'd love them.
That's it. They often appear with sushi, and can be found with other Japanese recipes.
I shall look out for that dressing, it sounds perfect.
I just eat them as they are. Just one or two (or more) a day. Sadly mine are now all gone.
Into the UK they would, but not into Oz.
They may have a different name where you are or in other places.
I don't think so...more like pickling in sweetish vinegar..but delicious
Post a Comment