Umeboshi is a traditional Japanese condiment made by preserving Japanese plums (ume). Fresh ripe plums are picked in the summer and salted. The juice that is extracted via osmosis from the plums form a natural brine (umezu) in which the plums are preserved. The plums are then partially desalinated before being soaked in flavorful liquids made from ingredients such as purple perilla (shiso) and honey (hachimitsu) to make the final product.
Uses: Umeboshi is commonly eaten as a accompaniment to rice or used as a filling in rice balls (onigiri). Umeboshi can be made into a paste to flavor sushi, grilled meats, and add accents to a variety of dishes.