[Aomori Prefecture] Which is better, the apricot named “Yasuke Ume” or the authentic plum “Bungo”? ｜Delicious special products of Aomori

Motoharu Kahashi
2022.05.17
Last updated: 2023.12.4

table of contents

1 What is the difference between plum and apricot?
2 Apricot "Yasuke Ume" called plum in Aomori Prefecture
3 Bungo plums grown in Aomori Prefecture
4 What is Yasuke plum (Apricot) pickled plum?
5 summary

Plums and apricots are special products of Aomori Prefecture. The plump appearance of the fruit gives you a sense of the richness of the climate.

However, in Aomori Prefecture, there are actually apricots called ``ume'' and ``plums'' that are not called apricots. There is a complicated situation surrounding plums and apricots that even locals are a little confused about.

In this article, we will talk about Aomori's proud plums and apricots, as well as some interesting facts about plums and apricots. I would be happy if this was an opportunity for you to get to know the local flavors.

What is the difference between plum and apricot?

First, I will explain the difference between plums and apricots, which everyone seems to understand but doesn't. It's not often that you get a chance to think about the difference between plums and apricots, so please use this as a little bit of trivia.

First of all, plums and apricots belong to the same family, the Rosaceae family, and are very closely related species. When it flowers, it has no leaves and has rounded petals. They are similar in appearance and properties, but the differences are shown in the table below.

	fruit size	sweetness of fruit	color of ripe fruit	Ease of seeds coming off	raw food	English expression
plum	Smaller	Not sweet	green	Seeds are difficult	×	ume Or Japanese apricot
Apricot	Larger	sweet	dark yellow	Seeds easily fall off from the fruit	〇	apricot

The biggest difference is whether the fruit is suitable for eating raw.

Apricot is called apricot in English and is recognized as a ``fruit'' that is eaten raw. On the other hand, plums produce fruits that are not suitable for eating raw, and many are used for ornamental purposes or for processing purposes.

Apricot "Yasuke Ume" called plum in Aomori Prefecture

Aomori Prefecture is one of the nation's leading producers of apricots. The apricot that has been cultivated in Nanbu Town, Aomori Prefecture for a long time is ``Yasuke Ume''. It's an apricot, but it's called a plum. The season is around early July.

Yasuke is an apricot that is characterized by its large fruits. The Heiwa apricot produced nationwide weighs about 60g, while the Yasuke fruit weighs about 80g. You can enjoy the thick, crispy texture and the rich flavor, which is a mix of sweetness and sourness.

Yasuke has been eaten locally as ``Umeboshi'' since ancient times. This umeboshi is a little different from regular umeboshi, so I will explain it in a separate chapter.

Link: Delicious food from Aomori: Yasuke Anzu

Bungo plums grown in Aomori Prefecture

We introduced that apricots are included in the plums that are called plums in Aomori Prefecture. However, there is no doubt that it is a famous plum production area throughout the country.

There is a variety of plums called ``Bungo'' that is famous in Aomori Prefecture. Ome plums are shipped from early July, and fully ripe plums are shipped from mid-July.

Plum trees generally prefer warm climates, but Bungo can also grow in cool climates. The reason is that Bungo is a natural hybrid with Anzu. Since apricots prefer cool climates, Bungo, which is descended from apricots, is thought to have developed into a plum that is resistant to cold temperatures.

Bungo fruit is large, weighing 40 to 50 grams. Plums that are classified as large plums generally weigh more than 25g, so you can tell the size of the plums. The plump yellow-green fruit looks good and is suitable for processed products such as plum wine.

What is Yasuke plum (Apricot) pickled plum?

In Nanbu Town, Aomori Prefecture, ``Yasuke Umeboshi'' is made using Yasuke plums (apricots) produced there. Yasuke's umeboshi is a shiso roll. Large Yasuke are pickled in salt, dried in the sun, wrapped in perilla leaves one by one, and pickled.

The seasoning for honzuke differs from household to household, but some use only salt, others add sugar or sake. The pickling period is about 3 months.

Yasuke pickled plums have a crispy texture, refreshingly sweet pulp, and the scent of perilla that whets the appetite. Why not give it a try?

summary

Plums and apricots are actively produced in Aomori Prefecture. In this article, we have introduced the differences, characteristics, and charms of each.

Apricot, also known as plum, is a plum whose parent is apricot. Although they may sound a little confusing when you first hear them, they are all essential ingredients that have nurtured Aomori's food culture. Why not try the delicious flavors refined by Aomori's harsh yet beautiful nature?

We recommend umeboshi for Yasuke (anzu) and plum wine for Bungo (plum). If you see it at the souvenir corner or on order, please give it a try.