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Umeboshi

In season all year

Food Description:

Umeboshi are pickled plums also known as Japanese apricots. It's reported that the "ume" tree was introduced to Japan from China as far back as the eighth century. The unripe fruit is harvested in June and pickled or used to make wine or vinegar. These pale red, wizened plums are extremely sour but seem to (according to the Japanese) cure numerous conditions. They are believed to help combat fatigue by converting stored lactic acid in the body into water and carbon dioxide. Lactic acid can cause tiredness and exhaustion. They are used to ease gastric conditions and fevers. Scientific evidence supports the benefits of eating umeboshi as the sourness stimulates the secretion of saliva and gastric juices, activating the digestive system.

General Information:

Category: Fruit
To Buy: Buy pickled from a health food store or Asian grocer.
To Store: Once opened, store in the fridge and cover with plastic wrap.
Tips and Tricks: Try this for a hangover - one umeboshi plum with several cups of green tea - to help break down alcohol in the liver.

Nutrition (100 Grams):

Energy (kJ): 69
Protein (g): 1.0
Sodium: Helps to maintain water levels in the body and is involved in secretion of gastric juices and nutrient transport. High amounts of sodium may lead to water retention and high blood pressure if it is not adequately excreted.
Salicylates: Naturally occurring plant chemicals found in several fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs and spices, jams, honey, yeast extracts, tea and coffee, juices, beer and wines. Also present in flavourings, perfumes, scented toiletries and some medications. For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. No information available
Carbohydrates, g: 9.9
Fat (g): 0.1
Amines: Amines come the breakdown or fermentation of proteins. High amounts are found in cheese, chocolate, wine, beer and yeast extracts. Smaller amounts are present in some fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, avocados, bananas. For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. No information available
Glutamates: Glutamate is found naturally in many foods, as part of protein. It enhances the flavour of food, which is why foods rich in natural glutamates such as tomatoes, mushrooms and cheeses are commonly used in meals. Pure monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used as an additive to artificially flavour many processed foods, and should be avoided, especially in sensitive individuals as it can cause serious adverse reactions. n/a

Cooking:

Cooking Tips: A more popular way of eating umeboshi is as a dressing, known as umeshoyu; one finely chopped umeboshi is mixed with two tablespoons of shoyu (soy sauce) and sake (rice wine) or mirin (sweetened sake) to taste and served with chicken, seafood or salad.

Benefits the Following Health Conditions:*

Bacterial Infections
Constipation
Digestive Disorders
Headache
Intestinal Worms & Parasites
Premature Aging
Nausea
 Cold and Flus
Diarrhoea
Hangovers
Indigestion
Liver Sluggish
Detoxifying

* This information is sourced by a qualified naturopath. It is non prescriptive and not intended as a cure for the condition. Recommended intake is not provided. It is no substitute for the advice and treatment of a professional practitioner.



Disclaimer:
The Food Coach provides all content as is, without warranty. The Food Coach is not responsible for errors or omissions, or consequences of improper preparation, user allergies, or any other consequence of food preparation or consumption.

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