Himi Inazumi Ume (Toyama): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Timing shifts with the weather and conditions in each region.

Official registration details (MAFF)

The registered description as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Characteristics

Characteristics of this plum fruit include slightly oblong round shape with moderately pointed top, weight of 18-25 g for a medium-sized fruit (nearly 50% of fruit fall under this size), and pale green skin with lots of trichomes (fine hair). Small pit and thick flesh make the fruit excellent for pickled plum because the skin is less likely to tear during processing, resulting in a good color and ideal levels of tartness.

Link with the production area

Inazumi is a rare plum selectively bred to suit the snowy local climate from a variety discovered in the Inazumi district of Himi City in 1949. Production has since been expanded through technical improvement; replanting abandoned farmland; planting along roads (Ume Road) and in parks (Umenosato Koen); and by collective pruning, pest control, and harvesting programs.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s112.html)

Where to buy

As a rule, only products that meet the registered standard may use a GI name (with exceptions such as prior use). Check for the GI mark and the place of origin to tell it apart from ordinary products with similar names.

Find on furusato nozei (opens in a new tab)Find online (opens in a new tab)

These links go to Japanese-language shops; check whether they ship overseas.

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It is more often sold as umeboshi or umeshu (plum liqueur) than as fresh fruit.

FAQ

A rare ume (Japanese apricot) variety discovered in the Inazumi district of Himi City, Toyama, and selectively bred to suit the snowy local climate. With a small stone and thick flesh, it makes umeboshi that resist splitting, take on good color, and have a pleasant sourness.

Himi Inazumi Ume is produced in Himi City, Toyama Prefecture.

Himi Inazumi Ume is shipped all year round.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation) and online shops. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Himi Inazumi Ume was registered as a Geographical Indication on February 3, 2022 (Registration No. 112). The registered producer group is Tokusan Himi Inazumi Ume Producers Association Inazumi Umenosato Committee.