Ume is a green plum that is ready to be picked in May-June. Fresh off the tree, it is not as delicious as when it is made into a refreshing beverage.
Ingredients
2 lbs ume, rinsed and pricked with a toothpick
10 cups of sugar, preferably rock, or honey
Method
In a sterilized gallon jar, line the bottom with ume and then pour a layer of sweetener on top. Repeat the process until the jar is filled, with the top layer being the sweetener.
Seal tightly with the lid and let it stand in a cool and dark place for about 1 week, until the rock sugar/honey has completely dissolved and the juices have been leeched out of the plums. Shake it occasionally.
Refrigerate for another week, then strain and enjoy diluted with carbonated water or flat.