Do you know about the Japanese food called umeboshi? It's one of Japan's representative traditional preserved foods, characterized by its salty and sour taste. Umeboshi has been beloved by Japanese people since ancient times and is also attracting attention as a healthy food ingredient. Near the famous Tokyo Skytree, there is a commercial facility called "Tokyo Soramachi" that houses an umeboshi specialty shop called "Tachigui Umeboshi-ya". At this shop, you can actually taste and compare 16 carefully selected varieties of umeboshi from different regions across Japan.
Try Your Favorite "Umeboshi" at the Counter
One of the recommended menu items here is the "3 Types of Umeboshi Tasting Set". You can savor the rich variety of umeboshi brought in from production areas like Wakayama and Kishu. If you want to try a good range, the "Shirara", "Yaki Ume" (roasted), "Kimchi", "Suppai Ume" (very sour), "Sannen Ume" (aged 3 years), and "Uguisu" varieties are recommended. The "Uguisu" in particular is the shop's most popular, so it's worth a try. The umeboshi here are arranged from most sour to most sweet, and "Uguisu" falls right in the middle - the quintessential umeboshi if you will. When you put it in your mouth, you can taste its refreshingly sour flavor. The subtle saltiness and firm plum flesh create an exquisite balance that's truly delicious.
Standing at the counter seating in the shop, you can see and smell the different varieties of umeboshi arranged right in front of you, their colors and aromas distinct. You may find yourself wanting to try one after another. For umeboshi beginners, it's recommended to start with the sweeter varieties and work your way through for comparison.
They also take great care with the tea selections, offering various recommended Japanese teas that pair well with umeboshi. There are even ochazuke (tea over rice) sets so you can enjoy the umeboshi by soaking it in tea. Being able to enjoy it in different ways is part of the appeal.
16 Carefully Selected "Umeboshi" Varieties
- すっぱい梅 ― Suppai Ume (Very Sour)
- 杉田梅 ― Sugita Ume
- 十郎梅 ― Jurou Ume
- 稲積梅 ― Inazumi Ume
- 三年梅 ― Sannen Ume (Aged 3 Years)
- なちゅら ― Nachura
- 辛子梅太子 ― Karashi Ume Taiko (mentaiko-spicy pollock roe)
- 鶯 ― Uguisu
- はちみつ ― Hachimitsu (Honey)
- 燻製 ― Kunsei (Smoked)
- こんぶ ― Konbu (Kelp)
- 焼き梅 ― Yaki Ume (Roasted)
- キムチ ― Kimchi
- オリーブオイル漬 ― Olive Oil Pickled
- みかん梅 ― Mikan Ume (Mandarin Orange)
- しらら ― Shirara
Umeboshi "Karuta"?! An Assortment of Umeboshi Perfect for Souvenirs
You can purchase the umeboshi you tasted right there in the shop. The popular "Umeboshi Karuta" product in particular allows you to buy individual umeboshi pieces. When you open the lid, you'll find amusing illustrations by famous gag manga artist Wada Rajio. True to its catchphrase "Fun to choose, fun to open again", Umeboshi Karuta lets you enjoy umeboshi in an entertaining way. It's an immensely popular item.
In addition, the shop offers small jars of umeboshi, umeboshi sold by weight, various seasonal limited products, umeboshi goods, tea sales, and more souvenirs galore inside. The Umeboshi Karuta and other products can also be purchased online, so even those unable to visit the shop can have them delivered.
Umeboshi Karuta Prices
- Single…400 yen
- Trio (3 pieces)…1,200 yen
- Scheroku (6 pieces)…2,400 yen
- Party (12 pieces)…4,800 yen
One Umeboshi a Day! Packed with Abundant Nutrition
Credit : フリー素材ドットコム
Did you know that umeboshi is an ancient Japanese superfood packed with abundant nutrients? While umeboshi has long been valued in Japan as a preserved food that can prevent colds, it is still recognized today as a food with superior nutritional value.
Umeboshi contains many beneficial components such as citric acid, malic acid, polyphenols, and more. Polyphenols have excellent antioxidant properties that work to eliminate active oxygen, which is known to be effective in preventing lifestyle diseases like arteriosclerosis.
Citric acid aids in breaking down fatigue substances and promoting metabolism. It is effective against muscle fatigue and other types of fatigue, so eating umeboshi can help recovery. Additionally, the citric acid and malic acid that give umeboshi its sour taste can prevent indigestion, making it recommended for times like summer when you may have a poor appetite due to fatigue.
Benefits for women such as aiding weight loss and preventing dark spots have also been proven. Eating just one umeboshi a day allows you to easily intake abundant nutrients.
Find Your Favorite Umeboshi at "Tachigui Umeboshi-ya" and Start Your Own Wonderful Umeboshi Lifestyle!
Using umeboshi in cooking adds a refreshing sour taste that enhances the flavors. There are a wide range of recipes that utilize umeboshi such as dashi broth, ochazuke, umeshiso (plum and shiso leaf) salad, amazu(sweet vinegar sauce), and more. Even if you're not a fan of sour tastes, getting used to umeboshi little by little may lead to new flavor discoveries.
Why not visit "Tachigui Umeboshi-ya" and find your personal favorite umeboshi? Even umeboshi beginners should be able to find a variety that suits their tastes at this specialty shop. While a must-visit for umeboshi lovers, this standing umeboshi bar is a place I'd recommend the umeboshi-averse to try at least once.
You can enjoy sampling the different varieties at the counter while taking in their distinct smells and colors. And you're sure to find the perfect souvenir item. It's a place where you can experience the new charms of the traditional Japanese food, umeboshi.
Since it's conveniently located near the famous sightseeing spot Tokyo Skytree, be sure to stop by if you're in the area!
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