PRODUCER SPOTLIGHT: Yasashi Ume Yasan - Old-fashion, Organic Umeboshi (Pickled Plum)
Yasashi Ume-yasan (“Kind Plum Shop”) is an organic umeboshi manufacturer in Kumano, Wakayama prefecture that has been producing ume (Japanese plum) for 13 years. Their products are free of chemicals and use no artificial fertilizers or pesticides.
They specialize in umeboshi (pickled Japanese plum) and have been cultivating ume for 70 years in Wakayama prefecture (a region famous in Japan for its ume). Beyond wanting to create a delicious product for their customers, they also wanted to produce umeboshi that would be truly safe for their children and grandchildren, and to preserve the unique flavor of ume for generations to come. So they decided to prohibit the use of chemicals and artificial fertilizers in their production process.
By refusing to use chemicals and artificial fertilizers, their umeboshi are not only more beneficial to our bodies, but are also produced in a way that protects the soil and the environment. The safety of their umeboshi has been scientifically confirmed by a specialized external agency that tests for residual pesticides and radio activity.
“Organic umeboshi is produced from ume that has been cultivated without chemicals or artificial fertilizers for a minimum of three years.”
Although Kumano is famous for its ume, only a handful of farms in the area are organic and pesticide-free. In fact, less than 1% of the total ume produced in Wakayama prefecture is certified organic. This is because the JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard) requires strict documentation and on-site inspections in order for products to be labeled as organic.
Yasashi Ume-yasan's products have proudly passed these rigorous tests and are amongst the very few that are recognized as being organic.
“We want you to know the real taste of Umeboshi!”
Yasashi Ume-yasan's umeboshi contains three simple ingredients: organic ume, organic red shiso (Japanese mint) and sea salt from Hyogo prefecture.
Their ume are hand-picked and pickled with organic shiso using sea salt. Instead of using the common Datsu-en production method, they use a more traditional method which gives their umeboshi a distinct and rich sour flavor.
Yasashi Ume-yasan's umeboshi are additive-free and have a reduced salt content. Their production environment is hygienically managed which enables them to successfully maintain a 17% salt ratio, despite not using any chemicals or preservatives.
Yasashi Ume-yasan wants you to experience the real taste of umeboshi!
Organic red Shiso, produced in Wakayama prefecture
Company website: https://www.yasashi-umeya.jp/
2 comments
Thank you for your comment. We offer a Red Shiso Furikake (Seasoning) With Ume (Japanese Plum) Vinegar that we think you would love!
I recently visited Japan and I was able to buy your organic ume flakes. It is so delicious! It goes well with so many foods. I am wondering if I will be able to buy your product to be sent to the US? (Yasashiisan no yuki ume fure). Thank you very much.