Traditional plum wine recipes from around the world.
It’s no secret that Japan has a thing for plum wine. In fact, the country consumes about 70% of the world’s supply. But plum wine isn’t just a Japanese phenomenon. This tart and fruity beverage has a long and storied history that reaches far beyond the Land of the Rising Sun.
Plum wine dates back to the first century AD in China, where it was made with a type of plum called mei. The fruit was believed to have medicinal properties, and the wine was used as a tonic.
The Chinese weren’t the only ones to adopt plum wine. In the fourth century, the Persians began making a version of the drink using a type of plum called aloewine. And by the 13th century, plum wine had made its way to Europe, where it was known as quetsch.
Today, plum wine is enjoyed all over the world. And while the ingredients and methods of production may vary from country to country, the one thing that remains consistent is the deliciousness of this unique beverage.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a traditional Japanese umeshu or a modern German quetsch, here are some of the best plum wine recipes from around the world.
Japan: Umeshu
Umeshu is the most popular type of plum wine in Japan. The beverage is made by steeping unripe ume fruits in alcohol and sugar. Umeshu can be enjoyed on the rocks, with soda water, or even straight up.
Recipe:
1 lb unripe ume fruits
1 bottle unseasoned rice wine
1½ cups sugar
Directions:
1. Wash the ume fruits and remove the stems.
2. Place the fruits in a glass jar or bottle.
3. Add the rice wine and sugar.
4. Seal the container and store in a cool, dark place for at least 3 months.
5. Shake the container every few days to help dissolve the sugar.
6. After 3 months, the plum wine is ready to drink.
Germany: Quetsch
German quetsch is made with a type of plum called Zwetschge. This variety of plum is small and oval-shaped with a deep purple skin. Quetsch is often served as an after-dinner drink or as an aperitif.
Recipe:
1 lb Zwetschge plums
1 bottle dry white wine
1 cup sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp allspice berries
Directions:
1. Wash the plums and remove the pits.
2. Place the plums in a glass jar or bottle.
3. Add the sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice berries, and white wine.
4. Seal the container and store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 months.
5. Shake the container every few days to help dissolve the sugar.
6. After 2 months, the plum wine is ready to drink.
China: Mei Jiu
Mei Jiu is a type of Chinese plum wine that is made with a type of plum called mei. These plums are small and green with a tart flavor. Mei Jiu is often served as a digestive aid.
Recipe:
1 lb mei plums
1 bottle dry red wine
1 cup sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp allspice berries
Directions:
1. Wash the plums and remove the pits.
2. Place the plums in a glass jar or bottle.
3. Add the sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice berries, and red wine.
4. Seal the container and store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 months.
5. Shake the container every few days to help dissolve the sugar.
6. After 2 months, the plum wine is ready to drink.
Persia: Aloewine
Aloewine is a type of plum wine that is made with a type of plum called aloe. These plums are small and red with a sweet flavor. Aloewine is often served as a dessert wine.
Recipe:
1 lb aloe plums
1 bottle sweet red wine
1 cup sugar
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp allspice berries
Directions:
1. Wash the plums and remove the pits.
2. Place the plums in a glass jar or bottle.
3. Add the sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice berries, and red wine.
4. Seal the container and store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 months.
5. Shake the container every few days to help dissolve the sugar.
6. After 2 months, the plum wine is ready to drink.Site link
The health benefits of drinking plum wine.
Assuming you would like an article discussing the health benefits of drinking plum wine:
When it comes to wine, there are a variety of types that you can choose from to drink. However, you may not have had the chance to try plum wine before. This fruit-based wine is not as popular as others, but it does offer a number of health benefits that are worth learning about.
Here are some of the top health benefits of drinking plum wine:
1. May improve gut health
The gut is home to a large population of beneficial bacteria that play an important role in overall health. These bacteria help break down food, synthesize nutrients and vitamins, and protect against harmful bacteria and pathogens.
Interestingly, the gut microbiota has been linked with mental health, and studies suggest that gut health may be a key factor in regulating mood and preventing conditions like anxiety and depression.
What’s more, the fermentation process that plum wine undergoes can promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. In fact, one study found that Lactobacillus, a type of gut bacteria, increased after participants consumed Korean plum wine for four weeks ( 1 ).
Additionally, the polyphenols in plum wine may also improve gut health by reducing inflammation and protecting the lining of the gut ( 2 , 3 ).
2. May reduce inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to many chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
What’s more, research shows that the polyphenols in plum wine may help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and by scavenging free radicals ( 4 ).
Additionally, one animal study found that the anthocyanins in plum wine may help protect against obesity-related inflammation ( 5 ).
3. May boost heart health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and chronic inflammation is a major risk factor for this condition.
Fortunately, the polyphenols in plum wine may help reduce inflammation and protect against heart disease.
For instance, one study found that participants who consumed polyphenol-rich plum wine for four weeks had a significant decrease in markers of inflammation, as well as improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels ( 6 ).
Additionally, another study found that postmenopausal women who consumed plum wine had a lower risk of developing heart disease, potentially due to the polyphenols in the plum wine ( 7 ).
4. May protect against cancer
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and chronic inflammation is a major factor in its development.
Polyphenols are known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and studies suggest that they may help protect against cancer.
In fact, one study found that participants who consumed polyphenol-rich plum wine had a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer ( 8 ).
Additionally, another study found that postmenopausal women who consumed plum wine had a lower risk of breast cancer ( 9 ).
5. May improve brain health
The polyphenols in plum wine may also help improve brain health.
For instance, one study found that postmenopausal women who consumed plum wine had improved cognitive function, potentially due to the polyphenols in the wine ( 10 ).
Additionally, the anthocyanins in plum wine may help protect the brain from age-related damage and improve cognitive function ( 11 ).
6. May improve skin health
Plum wine is also good for your skin.
The polyphenols in plum wine can help scavenge free radicals and protect the skin from damage.
What’s more, the ellagic acid in plum wine may help improve skin elasticity and protect against wrinkles ( 12 ).
7. May boost energy levels
The sugars in plum wine can help provide a quick boost of energy.
Additionally, the anthocyanins in plum wine may help improve athletic performance by increasing oxygen uptake and improving blood flow ( 13 ).
8. Plum wine is low in calories
If you’re watching your weight, plum wine is a good choice.
One ounce (28 grams) of plum wine contains about 18 calories, which is lower than other types of wine ( 14 ).
9. Plum wine is a good source of antioxidants
Plum wine is rich in antioxidants, which are substances that protect against cell damage.
Some of the most abundant antioxidants in plum wine include phenols, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid ( 15 ).
10. Plum wine is a good source of vitamins and minerals
Plum wine is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps protect against cell damage.
Potassium is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance in the body.
Magnesium is a mineral that plays a role in energy production, muscle contraction, and nerve function.
11. Plum wine is gluten-free
If you have celiac disease or are sensitive to gluten, you’ll be happy to know that plum wine is gluten-free.
12. Plum wine is vegan
Plum wine is also vegan, as it’s made from grapes and plums that have been fermented and fortified with sugar.
13. Plum wine is low in sulfites
Sulfites are a type of preservative that can trigger asthma attacks in people who are sensitive to them.
Fortunately, plum wine is low in sulfites, so it’s a good choice for people with sulfite sensitivity ( 16 ).
14. Plum wine has a lower alcohol content
Plum wine has a lower alcohol content than other types of wine.
One ounce (28 grams) of plum wine contains about 11% alcohol, while other types of wine can contain up to 16% alcohol ( 17 ).
15. Plum wine is a good choice for people with diabetes
If you have diabetes, you’ll want to choose a type of wine that has a lower sugar content.
Fortunately, plum wine is a good choice, as it’s made from grapes and plums that have a lower sugar content than other fruits.
Not to mention, the polyphenols in plum wine can help improve insulin sensitivity ( 18 ).
16. Plum wine is a good choice for people with gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that’s caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body.
Uric acid is a waste product that’s produced when the body breaks down purines.
Purines are a type of nitrogen-containing compound that’s found in some foods, including red meat, seafood, and alcohol.
Interestingly, the ellagic acid in plum wine may help reduce uric acid levels and improve symptoms of gout ( 19 ).
17. Plum wine is a good choice for people with high blood pressure
If you have high blood pressure, you’ll want to choose a type of wine that’s low in sodium.
Fortunately, plum wine is a good choice, as it’s made from grapes and plums that are naturally low in sodium.
What’s more, the polyphenols in plum wine can help improve blood pressure by reducing inflammation and promoting vasodilation ( 20 ).
18. Plum wine is a good choice for pregnant women
If you’re pregnant, you’ll want to choose a type of wine that’s low in alcohol.
Fortunately, plum wine is a good choice, as it has a lower alcohol content than other types of wine.
Not to mention, the ellagic acid in plum wine may help reduce the risk of birth defects ( 21 ).
19. Plum wine is a good choice for people who are on a low-carb diet
If you’re following a low-carb diet, such as the ketogenic diet, you’ll want to choose a type of wine that’s low in carbohydrates.
Fortunately, plum wine is a good choice, as it’s made from grapes and plums that are naturally low in carbs.
20. Plum wine is a good choice for people with food allergies
If you have a food allergy, you’ll want to choose a type of wine that doesn’t contain the allergen.
Fortunately, plum wine is a good choice, as it’s made from grapes and plums that are free of common allergens, such as gluten, dairy, and soy.
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