Plum (Prunus mume), commonly known as Japanese plum, Chinese plum or Japanese plum, is a flowering tree species native to China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan, belonging to the genus Prunus subfamily.
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Plum blossoms are plants with beautiful flowers, fragrant fragrance and edible fruits that have important cultural significance in East Asian cultures. It symbolizes resilience, perseverance and renewal, and is associated with spring. Even in winter, its early blooming is a sign of hope and the arrival of warmer weather. Plum blossoms have been cultivated in China and Japan for hundreds of years and were introduced to Japan from China around the sixth century AD. It has become an integral part of Japanese culture, especially in bonsai and ikebana (ikebana).
describe
Tree
Plum blossom is a deciduous tree that usually grows 4-10 meters tall, but some varieties can reach 12 meters tall.
leaf
The leaves are oval, alternate, and have serrated edges. They appear bright green, turn yellow or red in fall, and then fall off in winter.
flower
The tree blooms from late winter to early spring and then develops leaves. The flowers are usually white or pink and have a unique fragrance.
fruit
Plum fruits are round to oval in shape, about 2-3 cm in diameter. It has a sour flavor and ranges in color from yellow to red or purple when ripe.
culinary use
prune
The unripe fruits are often salted and dried to make umeboshi, a traditional Japanese condiment with a salty and sour taste. Umeboshi is often eaten with rice or used as a filling for rice balls.
prune paste
The pickled fruit can also be mashed into a paste called umeboshi paste and used as a seasoning in various dishes or as a filling for sushi rolls.
plum wine
Plum fruit are also used to make plum wine, a Japanese liqueur. The fruit is soaked in soju or sake along with sugar to create a sweet and tangy alcoholic beverage.
Medicinal
traditional medicine
In traditional Asian medicine, plum blossoms are used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, sore throats, and fatigue. Umeboshi is thought to aid digestion and improve appetite.
Antioxidant properties
Some research suggests that prunes and their extracts may have antioxidant properties that help protect cells from oxidative damage.
cultivation
climate
Plum trees prefer temperate climates and require a period of winter cold to bloom and bear fruit properly.
soil
They grow best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral.
Propagation: Plum trees can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or grafted onto rootstock. Grafted trees generally produce fruit more quickly and reliably than trees grown from seed.
cultural significance
Symbolic meaning
In Japanese culture, the plum blossom is considered a symbol of perseverance and endurance because it blooms in late winter, often in cold, snowy conditions.
festival
Japan celebrates the blooming of plum trees at the annual Plum Festival, where people gather to admire the blossoms and enjoy traditional food and performances.
