Prunus mume

Prunus mume is a species of Asian plum in the family Rosaceae. It is known by various names including Japanese apricot and Chinese plum. The tree is native to East Asia and is widely cultivated for its fruit and for decorative purposes. Prunus mume fruits are a common ingredient in East Asian cuisines and are used to make various types of wine and vinegar.

Description

Prunus mume is a deciduous tree that grows to a height of about 4–10 meters. The leaves are 4–8 cm long and 2.5–5 cm wide, with a serrated margin. The flowers are 2–2.5 cm in diameter and have a strong fragrant scent. They are pink or white in color and bloom in late winter or early spring before the leaves appear.

Cultivation

Prunus mume is widely cultivated in East Asia, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea. It is grown for its fruit, which is harvested in the summer. The fruit is round and yellow, with a diameter of 2–3 cm. It has a sour taste and is often pickled, made into wine, or used in cooking.

Uses

The fruit of Prunus mume is used in various East Asian cuisines. In China, it is used to make a type of vinegar known as ume vinegar. In Japan, it is used to make a type of wine known as umeshu. The fruit is also used in traditional medicine in these regions.

Cultural significance

Prunus mume has a significant cultural presence in East Asia. It is one of the most commonly depicted flowers in Chinese and Japanese art. In China, it is a symbol of spring and is often used in poetry and literature. In Japan, it is associated with the New Year and is used in various traditional ceremonies.

See also

• Prunus
• Umeboshi
• Umeshu