The plum umeboshi It is a traditional Japanese product that has reached more countries today. This variety It is harvested and fermented with salt and leaves of shiso (Japanese basil) for periods ranging from 6 months to several years.
The final result is a small plum with a wrinkled appearance and a bright red colour. Its taste is a mixture of salty and sour. It is generally used as a condiment in any type of dish or eaten in small portions.
Some health benefits are discussed, such as the ability to improve digestion and gastroesophageal reflux. However, more scientific studies are needed to support these properties in the future.
For the general population it can be a good seasoning to be added to a balanced and healthy diet. We tell you how you can include it in your daily life and all the details to take into account.
Nutritional values of umeboshi plum
Even if it is a very small fruit, its nutrient supply is known. These are those that are found in 100 grams of umeboshi:
- Power: 33 kilocalories.
- Protein: 1 gram.
- Fats: 0 grams.
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams.
- Fiber: 3.4 grams.
- Potassium: 440 milligrams.
- Manganese: 0.2 milligrams.
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine): 0.2 milligrams.
- Vitamin A: 7 micrograms.
The umeboshi plum and its possible health benefits
The population of Japan integrated the umeboshi as part of their diet for centuries. Some of its healthy properties are known from traditional practices, but sometimes there is scientific evidence to back it up.
In any case, these are some of the utilities and benefits of the plum umeboshi to health:
- According to a study published in the journal World Journal of Gastroenterology, facilitates salivary secretion and the digestive process. Furthermore, thanks to the fiber it improves intestinal motility problems, helping in situations of constipation.
- The plum jack umeboshi ensures a supply of antioxidants. The chemical reactions of free radicals are necessary for the body. But in excess they can be harmful and for this reason they need to be countered by antioxidants. This possible oxidative stress It has been related to the appearance of certain diseases, such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, neurological disease, and degenerative problems.
- The concentrated juice of this Japanese apricot variety (known as bainiku-ekisu) may take effect protector against cardiovascular diseases since it has the ability to improve blood flow.
- The plum umeboshi has known antimicrobial properties, with the ability to inhibit growth and stop the action of some pathogens. In particular, it is known as a good agent against bacteria in the oral cavity.
Recommendations for safe consumption
As a general rule, It is a safe and well tolerated food. However, if you have any allergy symptoms or discomfort after eating it, it’s best to avoid them.
Also, one of the unfavorable aspects of plum ume it’s the high amount of sodium it has. For this reason it is necessary to consume it in small quantities and avoid it in case of nephropathy, renal insufficiency and arterial hypertension.
The recommended daily amount is difficult to establish, as it depends on each person. You can consume 1/2 unit per day or 1 whole plum 3-4 times a week.
How to use umeboshi plum in cooking
The plum umeboshi it is a very astringent product, with a fairly concentrated acid and salty flavour. This is why it is used in small quantities in the kitchen, as with little it gives great flavor to any dish.
In puree form it can be added to all kinds of sauces, vinaigrettes or cold soups, such as gazpacho. It is also a good option to accompany meat or fish dishes, alone or with other ingredients, such as tahini.
If used whole, it can be used as a complement to cereal dishes and sauteed or stewed legumes.. It can also be used to prepare typical dishes of Japanese cuisine. Rice topped with prunes is one of the most popular breakfast foods.
With it, in addition to being an ingredient for cooking, typical remedies of traditional oriental medicine are also prepared. Sometimes mixed with kuzu or with shoyu. It can be taken directly dissolved in 1/2 glass of warm water.
Recipe to prepare it at home
It shouldn’t be too difficult to buy prunes these days umeboshi. These They are easily found in specialized shops. either in whole pieces or in the form of a puree. But if you want to experiment a bit, there’s the option to make them at home.
To make them you can choose Claudia plums or apricots, given the variety ume Traditionally used, it is a Japanese fruit. Apart from these, you only need a little salt and a waiting time.
For 2 and 1/2 kilos of plums, 200 grams of fine salt are used. Place the prunes in a large bowl, cover with cold water and leave to soak overnight in a cool place. The following day, filter and transfer the fruit into a wooden, ceramic or food-grade plastic tub.
Add the salt on top and soak all the fruit well with your hands. Then cover with a muslin cloth and place heavy objects on top to apply pressure. Their total weight should be equal to that of prunes.
Put in a cool, dry and dark place. There it must remain for several weeks (2 in the case of small specimens and 3 if they are larger). The state of the brine is checked from time to time and if mold appears on the surface, it is removed.
After this time, the plums are placed in the sun to dry them for 3 days on a rush mat. At night they are reintroduced into the brine.. On the last day of drying, the remaining liquid is placed and stored in a glass bottle. This vinegar ume can be used for dressing.
Fermented plums are stored in airtight plastic bags or glass jars. In this way they are kept in good condition for a long time. The appearance of a syrup-like liquid is normal and helps to preserve it.
The umeboshi plum: the Japanese medicinal food
Some foods, plants and condiments arrive from eastern countries that are used for nutritional and medicinal purposes. After ginger or wasabi, It’s time to meet the plum umeboshi.
This has great value as a health food, as it works with the digestive system, is an antioxidant, and provides a good amount of nutrients. While each specimen is small, it should be eaten in moderate amounts. One cannot contemplate a miraculous action on his part.
It is a food that deserves a deserved place in the pantry. You can also take it on trips, as it can help with minor health problems on many occasions.
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