Umeboshi - Japanese Pickled Plums

Joe Fowler
Author: Joe Fowler Time for reading: ~4 minutes Last Updated: January 27, 2026
Umeboshi - Japanese Pickled Plums

In this article, learn more about Umeboshi - Japanese Pickled Plums. Umeboshi - Japanese pickled plums.

Japanese pickled plums , known as " Umeboshi " have a miraculous effect on the body. They have been part of Japanese cuisine for centuries, also known as sour plums and Japanese plums. Umeboshi are made from dried pickled minds that resemble apricots.

Umeboshi are round and wrinkled with a pronounced sour taste, thanks to the high amounts of citric acid they contain. Due to their strong taste, they are served with pasta or rice.

They come in several different forms - most often as vinegar or paste. Mixtures of umeboshi are made with the help of mind fruits that have been marinated in salted brine. Later, plums can be seasoned, sweetened or sun-dried and sold whole or dried.

 

Studies show that consuming them can reduce liver damage, maintain digestion and even block the growth of cancer cells. If you want to optimize your diet, improve your health and get as many nutrients as possible, umeboshi can be the perfect nutritional supplement.

Nowadays, Umeboshi vinegar is widely used in the kitchen and medicine. It is used to flavor various purees, salads, soups, stews, not only because of the taste but also because of its qualities. In medicine it is used for making medicines, alcohol, compresses, syrups for stomach pains and others.

Nutritional value of pons marinated plums

As you can see in the table below, umeboshi are very dietary - only 33 calories per 100 grams. They also contain a lot of fiber - 3.4 grams, which against the background of 10 grams of total carbohydrates makes the fruit low-carbohydrate.

Marinated plums also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, the most significant being potassium (440 milligrams), which is very good for the heart. Rich in vitamins C, A and fiber, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, lactose.

In addition to having a very impressive nutritional profile and pronounced taste, this pickled plum also has many beneficial effects on health.

Health benefits

Their strong acidity supports digestion and liver function, neutralizes stress and fatigue, detoxifies the body. In addition, the fruits increase potency, relieve cough, soothe fever and nausea. They are used to treat ulcers, gastritis, because they stimulate the secretion of digestive fluids and as an antibiotic because of their antiseptic action.

In the time of the samurai, the plant was considered one of the most important. It was used to season rice, vegetables and this gave them strength. More than 150 years ago, people began experimenting with the fruit in order to extract its most important healing properties. Thus, an extract was discovered that combines with water, honey and is consumed as a tonic. The high content of ascorbic acid automatically turns it into a desirable elixir with effective healing properties.

Protects the liver

Umeboshi have some powerful properties that help protect the liver. The liver plays a vital role in detoxifying the body, metabolizing fat and producing proteins used for blood clotting, so its health is essential. The liver is damaged by excessive alcohol consumption, infections, overweight.

Some studies show that including umeboshi in the menu helps maintain liver function. A 2012 study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology followed 58 patients with liver disease and found improvement in the condition and reduction of liver damage.

So you can include umeboshi in your menu, they can help you in the treatment or as a prevention against liver disorders.

Improves stomach health

Because umeboshi is high in fiber, it is a great food for the digestive system. Fiber passes through the body, reaching the intestines, where some of it becomes food for the good bacteria.

Umeboshi relieves constipation and stimulates bowel motility. Not only that, they significantly reduce acid reflux, which affects a large proportion of older people.

Prevention against some cancers

Umeboshi contains compounds that may be useful in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Studies have shown that fruit extract can stop the growth of some cancer cells.

Another study shows that this happens successfully in pancreatic and liver cancer. There has also been an improvement in breast and skin cancer, but of course, much more research is needed to confirm 100% of the benefits of umeboshi.

Antioxidants in Japanese plum

We often damage our body with our lifestyle - stress, smoking, junk food. All this causes the formation of free radicals, which damage cells and lead to chronic diseases.

Antioxidants neutralize dangerous free radicals and protect cells from damage. Umeboshi are one of the richest foods in antioxidants, including fruit in your diet can help you significantly improve your health and ensure adequate intake of antioxidants.

Strengthen bone health

Give a large amount of calcium and polyphenols, you can ensure good bone health by eating umeboshi fruit. Polyphenols act as antioxidants and prevent osteoporosis. Polyphenols also promote collagen production and improve bone strength.

Stabilizes blood sugar

Adding a few umeboshi fruits to the diet is good for blood sugar. They prevent a sharp rise in blood sugar. In addition, fiber slows down the absorption of glucose, preventing sudden spikes and collapses in blood sugar.

Antioxidants are a prevention against diabetes, as they fight inflammation, the cause of chronic diseases.

Contraindications

It is important not to overdo the product because it contains a lot of salt. Consumption of hypertensives is not recommended.
Marinated Wemboshi plums have no side effects, but if you feel unwell after eating them, you should avoid them, as an individual allergic reaction is possible.

Many foods and spices have health benefits, but the real effect is achieved with perseverance, a well-balanced diet and the intake of alkaline and organic foods free of pesticides.

 
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