Homonym: Ume (Plum)
Ume, also known as the Japanese plum, is a fruit-bearing tree native to East Asia. It belongs to the genus Prunus and is closely related to cherries and peaches. Ume trees bloom in early spring, producing beautiful pink or white flowers that are celebrated in Japanese culture during the hanami season. The fruit is typically harvested in late spring and is known for its tart flavor.
The fruit of the ume tree is often used to make umeboshi, a pickled plum, and umeshu, a sweet plum wine. Ume is rich in antioxidants and is believed to have various health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting the immune system.