Nanko Ume

Raised in the town of Minabe, the Nanko plum is a leading variety prized for its plump, thick flesh and tender skin. It stands as a symbol of Wakayama, known as the finest plum country in Japan.

Highlights

The glossy, large fruit turns soft and melting when pickled, with savor reaching all the way to the pit. Its range of uses is wide, from plum liqueur and juice to sweets, so a single fruit gives rise to many flavors.

Enjoying the Seasons

In early summer the green fruit is harvested and the season of plum making arrives. In early spring the groves are blanketed in blossoms, and the scene before the harvest is a treasure in itself.

Access and Basic Information

Around Minabe you will find direct sale stands and shops offering plum products. Using JR Minabe Station as a base, touring the groves and a local museum reveals the depth of this growing region.

A Quick Tip

Taste both the old style, lightly salted pickled plum and the honey steeped kind side by side. Even from the same Nanko plum, the impression is entirely different and delightful.