Named as a Japanese apricot or Japanese plum, ume has a long history in Japan, although originally introduced from China. This flower is the first flower that blooms every year and is associated with early spring and is believed to have the meaning of loyalty, elegance, and purity of heart. In Tokyo, common ume trees bloom in February and March and ume matsuri festivals are held in public parks or in temples. Ume has a strong and sweet aroma and the fruit is more acidic than plums or western apricots, and is often made into umeboshi (pickled plums) or umeshu liquor.
