Umeboshi - Sour Plum Pickles: Japanese Wellness in Early Summer

May ushers in Rikka「立夏」, the start of summer, from May 5th to May 21st, about 15 days. Rooted in Chinese tradition, "Ri" =「立」in Japanese - meaning "to begin" celebrates summer’s dawn with vibrant greenery and mild days. May 5th also brings Tango no Sekku, traditionally a celebration for boys, now cherished as Children’s Day, filled with joy and festivity. During this season, the Japanese plum, or ume, begins its journey to ripeness.

While raw ume contains amygdalin, a compound that can cause discomfort, its transformation into umeboshi- salted, sun-dried plums - unlocks a world of health benefits and culinary delight.

umeboshi made by grandfather

Traditional umeboshi is said to be so resilient that, as the saying goes, "it won’t spoil even after 100 years." When stored properly, it can last not just one or two years but decades, remaining edible and vibrant. I treasure a jar of umeboshi made by my late grandfather about 15 years ago, preserving it carefully and only tasting it on rare, special occasions. I believe my grandfather used a high salt concentration to ensure its longevity, and he was meticulous about the quality of the salt he chose.

Japanese wisdom holds that daily green tea and umeboshi in summer revitalize the body.

Its citric acid, known to our ancestors, combats fatigue. A single umeboshi in a bento box enhances flavor and preserves naturally, its tartness sparking saliva, a gentle elixir for digestion and vitality, as I share with my patients.

Rich in minerals and organic acids, umeboshi may curb influenza and food-borne bacteria. With two to three times a lemon’s citric acid, it relieves fatigue, muscle stiffness, and heat exhaustion, replenishing salt lost to sweat.

When choosing umeboshi, seek purity. Plums preserved solely with salt, free of additives. My favorite indulgence is savoring umeboshi with steaming rice, but umeboshi plum vinegar (umezu) is equally cherished.

This refreshing recipe, perfect after a jog or to cleanse the body, invigorates and restores:

Umeboshi Vinegar Drink

1 tbsp umezu (umeboshi vinegar) from Eden or other brand

1 cup cold or sparkling water

Optional: honey or mint

Umeboshi is more than food—it is a story of harmony, resilience, and nature’s wisdom. Let this season of Rikka inspire you to embrace its gifts, one tart, healing bite at a time.

my plum tree at home

Posted on May 3rd, 2025