8 Delicious Facts About Umeshu Japanese Plum Wine

Umeshu, often referred to as Japanese plum wine, is a beloved and versatile alcoholic beverage that combines the sour taste of ume plums with the sweetness of sugar, creating a unique and refreshing drink. Here are eight delicious facts about umeshu that will enlighten you and make you want to try it for yourself.

1. Umeshu is Not Actually Wine

Umeshu is not fermented and therefore does not qualify as wine. Instead, it is a sweet mixture of liquor, sugar, and ume plums, making it closer to a liqueur. The term "umeshu" literally translates to "ume alcohol," highlighting the central role of the ume plum.

2. Simple to Make at Home

Unlike fermented beverages like beer, wine, and sake, umeshu is relatively easy to make at home. All you need is a sealable glass container, ume plums, sugar, and liquor. In Japan, every June, when ume plums come into season, all the necessary ingredients can be found at most supermarkets.

3. Legal Homebrewing Exception

In Japan, making home-brewed alcohol is generally illegal, but umeshu is an exception. This is because umeshu is not fermented; it is made by steeping ume plums in liquor and sugar. This simplicity makes it a popular choice for home brewing.

4. Ingredients and Preparation

To make umeshu, you need 1 kg of ume plums, 1 kg of rock sugar, and 1.8 liters of liquor (preferably neutral alcohols like shochu or vodka). Start by preparing the ume plums by removing the stem nub, washing them, and drying them. Poke holes in the plums to allow their essence to leach into the liquor. Then, layer the plums and sugar in a jar and cover them with liquor. Store the jar in a cool place for 6 months to a year, mixing the contents periodically.

5. Variety in Alcohol Content

Commercial umeshu typically has an alcohol content ranging from 10% to 15%, similar to most commercial wines. However, some brands can have higher alcohol levels, up to 35%, making them as strong as some base liquors like whiskey or cognac.

6. Versatile Ways to Enjoy

Umeshu can be enjoyed in several ways:

• Straight Umeshu: Best enjoyed refrigerated to deliver a light chill without diluting the flavor or alcohol content.
• Umeshu Soda: Mixed with soda, it creates a sweet, beer-like beverage perfect for summer.
• Frozen Umeshu: Frozen into cubes, it provides a cool and spicy treat that can be savored on its own or combined with other beverages.
• With Water or Hot Water: Mixing with water or hot water can help balance the flavor and is recommended when eating strongly seasoned food.

7. Health Benefits

Umeshu is also known for its health benefits. It is believed to help people recover from exhaustion and offers various other health advantages, making it a popular choice for those looking for a healthier alcoholic option.

8. Rich History and Cultural Significance

The origin of umeshu dates back to the Edo Period (1603 – 1868). The oldest known recipe for plum wine can be found in an early book about Japanese cuisine from the late 17th century. During this time, sugar was rare and valuable, making plum wine a luxury only the wealthy could afford.

Popular Brands

Several well-known brands produce high-quality umeshu, including:

• Choya: Known for its international presence and variety of umeshu products, including a sparkling plum wine.
• Takara: A major brewing company that produces a wide range of beverages, including umeshu with a 12% ABV.
• Kikkoman: Famous for its soy sauce, Kikkoman also produces a rich and sweet umeshu with a 12.5% ABV.
• Hakutsuru Brewing Company: Known for its consistently great sake, Hakutsuru also produces a fruit-forward umeshu with a 12.5% ABV.

These facts highlight the unique characteristics, versatility, and cultural significance of umeshu, making it a fascinating and enjoyable beverage to explore.