A deciduous tree belonging to the rose family, native to China, known for producing fragrant flowers in early spring before the leaves appear, which can be white, light pink, or deep red. The tree bears small, round fruit that has a strong sour taste and is often used to make pickled plums or plum wine.
The fruit of the plum tree, which becomes ripe around June and is characterized by its acidity; it can be used in various traditional Japanese foods, including pickles and alcoholic beverages.
A plant that has been cultivated in Japanese gardens for centuries, valued both for its ornamental beauty in spring and its useful fruit, symbolizing resilience against cold weather alongside pine and bamboo.
A term used for specific varieties of the tree and its fruit, distinguishing between those grown for their decorative blooms and those specifically cultivated for consumption.
Example:
の花は今週が見頃です。
A traditional Japanese food made by fermenting ume fruit with salt, drying it in the sun, and often including perilla leaves, resulting in a tart and savory preserved item that is used as a condiment or side dish.
A unique preservation method that transforms the ume fruit into a flavorful, long-lasting food item, commonly enjoyed with rice or as part of a bento lunch, especially during the summer months.
A type of Japanese pickle characterized by its intense sourness, which is created through a specific process of salting and drying ume fruit, often believed to have health benefits and to aid digestion.
A seasonal period characterized by prolonged rainfall across most of Japan, occurring mainly from early June to mid-July, associated with the maturation of plums and elevated humidity levels.
The weather phenomenon marked by a series of rain showers, often leading to cool and gloomy conditions, where occurrences of heavy downpours can occur towards the end, typically transitioning into the summer heat.
A time of year defined by persistent, often dreary rain, that signifies increased moisture in the environment and the growth of mold, which is culturally linked to the ripening of plums.
The atmospheric condition resulting from the interaction of a stationary front and low-pressure systems that brings heavy rain, impacting daily life and agriculture in Japan before the arrival of summer.
Example:
天気予報によれば、まもなくに入るそうだ。
The balance or condition of things, particularly in relation to their quality or suitability, often used to describe how well various elements or situations are coming together.
The degree of taste or flavor characteristic in food, indicating the appropriate level of seasoning and preparation.
A measure of one's physical well-being or health, often reflecting how someone is feeling in terms of vitality or fitness.
The process of suitably arranging or managing things in a harmonious manner, ensuring that different components work together effectively.
Example:
いい塩梅だ。
The balance or adjustment of flavors in cooking, referring to how well the ingredients complement each other to create a pleasing taste.
The overall condition or state of a situation, often implying the appropriateness or suitability of the circumstances.
The assessment of one’s personal health or physical well-being, indicating how one feels or their current health status.
The skillful arrangement or management of things or events, ensuring that they are organized in a way that is suitable and effective.