Umeboshi for Beginners: Types and How to Eat Them

Umeboshi are ume (Japanese plums) salted and then dried in the sun — a traditional preserved food that is very sour and salty.

Main types

• Shirabōshi: the traditional kind, made with only ume and salt. The saltiest and sourest.
• Shiso-zuke: pickled with red shiso leaves, which turn them bright red.
• Hachimitsu-zuke: seasoned with honey for a milder taste. Many are lower in salt and easier for beginners.

How to eat them

• On top of rice, or inside an onigiri rice ball
• In ochazuke (rice with tea or broth poured over)
• Chopped into dressings and dressed vegetables

A little goes a long way — take small bites. There is a hard stone inside, so eat with care.

When buying

Salt content varies a lot between products, so check the label if salt is a concern. Honey types contain honey, and some products contain other seasonings — check the ingredients if you avoid certain foods (for example, if you are vegan).