Ume:
Prunus mume is a species of Asian plum in
the family Rosaceae.
The tree is cultivated for its fruit and flowers.
Although normally called a plum, it is actually more closely related to the
apricot.
Another species commonly referred to as the "Japanese plum" is the
sumomo (Prunus salicina).
The tree flowers in late winter, typically
late January or February in East Asia,
before the leaves appear. Each flower
has five petals and is 1–3 cm in diameter.
The flowers are typically white,
though cultivars may have rose or deep red flowers.
The leaves appear
shortly after the petals fall.
The leaves are oval, with a pointed tip.
The fruit ripens in early summer,
typically June in East Asia.
The ripening of the fruit coincides with rainy
season, called baiu or tsuyu in Japanese.
Each fruit is round with a groove
running from the stalk to the tip.
The skin is green when unripe, and turns
yellow, sometimes with a red blush, as it ripens.
The flesh becomes yellow.
About Effectiveness of ume
The ume fruit contains high amount of citrus acid, as much as in one
lemon.
Also it contains malic acid, succinic acid, and tartaric
acid.
Though ume containｓ a lot of organic acids, it is a strong alkaline food.
A health human’s blood is slightly alkalinized.
However, taking too much meat and dairy, and also other
stress related subjects, could change the blood slightly acidified, which could
cause deterioration of liver function and of metabolism. This will increase the
lactic acid level which leads to increase higher fatigue level since lactic acid
left unsolved in the body is one of the reasons for causing fatigues.
Ume
acid breaks down lactic acid and keeps the blood level normal to relieve
fatigue.
Besides the relieving fatigue, ume is effective
on
1. Controlling bacteria not to propagate.
2. Relieving
stomachache.
3. Increasing appetite.
4. Activating
metabolism
5. Keeping blood clean
About Ume Stone
The unique flavor of UMESHU
comes from its stone. If UMESHU is made without the stone, it will loose its
taste and fragrance. The secret is in the core of the stone, called jin. The
extracts from jin affect UMESHU in terms of flavor and taste.
Since the
ingredients in the fruit and the stone are so various and rewarding to humans,
ume has been used for health and beauty and even as Chinese
medicines.
