Ume (scientific name: Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc) is often mistaken for plum (scientific name: Prunus somestica L), which is in the same group of Rosaceae Purunus, however, they have very different characteristics. Ume contains 4--5% acidity compared to 1--2% acidity in plums. As ume fruit ripens, citrus acid occupies a higher ratio than other organic acids. The fruit and skin of ume contains polyphenol and the fruit contains amino- acids. Our studies indicate that GABA might be produced from glutamine acid.


The fruit contains polyphenol. The amount of polyphenol increases as it matures. The fruit contains organic acids such as citrus acid.

There were medicinal uses of ume in Japanese and Chinese history. In Japan, there is a tradition that states ume kills three kinds of poisons, poisons in food, water, and blood.