“Umeshu,” often referred to as plum wine, is a beguiling beverage that leverages the sour characteristics of its namesake fruit, rendering them into a refreshing and punchy drink that is as versatile as it is delicious. With an alias like plum wine, it would stand to reason that umeshu is simply a wine made from plums rather than grapes, but in truth it is more like a plum liqueur. So as the plum blossoms are beginning to brighten the dreary late winter landscape in Japan, let’s take a closer look at umeshu.
Research affirms that moderate consumption of green plum wine yields specific health benefits related to appetite enhancement and antioxidant and anti-cancer properties (Jeong et al., 2006; Shen et al., 2020; Zheng et al., 2014).
How much alcohol is in plum wine?
The level of alcohol remaining in the final product depends to an extent on the type of alcohol used to produce the drink. When umeshu is made from shochu, which is the most common base, the alcohol present in the umeshu can be as high as 20%. Umeshu made from ume soaked in sake can have an alcohol percentage as low as 9%. (This is the type Tippsy carries.) Most beer falls below this range, while most wines fall within this range. Distilled spirits like whiskey and vodka are much higher in alcohol than plum wine.
Is plum wine sweet?
While some varieties of umeshu are sweeter than others, as a whole, it is generally on the sweet side. Versions of umeshu are available that don’t use added sugar, and these would tend to be less sweet. However, the tartness from the ume and the alcohol is what helps balance out the sweetness and makes umeshu so refreshing, rather than cloying. The tug of war between sweet and sour is evident across all serving temperatures to different degrees. With gentle warming, umeshu’s depth is drawn out and its aromas amplified. When enjoyed chilled, the sweetness and sour tang become uplifting and refreshing. Often, notes of almond and marzipan are notable, coaxed from the pit of the fruit during the soaking and aging. Each product page on Tippsy comes with its own temperature recommendations, so check them out!
13 Amazing Health Benefits of Plums That Will Surprise You
FAQ
How healthy is plum wine?
Why is plum wine so good?
When should I drink plum wine?
Can you drink plum wine by itself?
Why is plum wine good for You?
Because it is rich in antioxidants and minerals. A study carried out in 2007 on beneficial components of alcoholic fruit wines showed that plum wine had moderate total antioxidant capacity alongside other fruit wines such as those made from raspberries and cherries. However, it ranked below wines made from red sweet grapes and blueberries.
What are the health benefits of dried plums?
Dried plums make a great snack because they contain many vitamins and minerals, however, keep in mind that they do contain a high amount of sugar and it is easy to over-indulge in them. A moderate and occasional intake of plums can help to improve bone mineral density, helping to prevent bone fractures later in life. Another improvement that can come with eating dried plums is an improvement in digestive health. This might seem like a major issue, but improved digestive and regularity can have a major impact on how you feel throughout the day and can allow you have more energy and be more active throughout the day. Finally, they might help with hunger throughout the day and help to regulate blood sugar levels, which will help you stop eating too much and potentially lose weight.
Do Plum wines have antioxidants?
Researchers found that plum wines had a moderate total antioxidant capacity, similar to those of cherry and raspberry wines, but less than wines made from grapes or blueberries. Essential minerals including calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron and especially potassium were also present in the fruit wines as well as the red wines.
Is Japanese plum wine good for You?
Today, typically served chilled as an aperitif, Japanese plum wine is a popular drink in Japan and worldwide. Plum wine may offer certain health benefits, but only when you enjoy it sparingly. Besides alcohol, plum wine contains several healthful substances, including essential minerals and antioxidants.