Mito Shikinbai (Ume-bishio)
Shikinbai removes the stones from firm plums and preserves the flesh with red shiso and salt. Also called ume-bishio in Mito, it is a chunky, purple-red, salty and sour preserve, not the...
At a glance
| Name | Mito Shikinbai (Ume-bishio) (Shikinbai / Ume-bishio) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Ibaraki |
| Region | Kanto |
| Type | Salted chopped plum and red-shiso preserve from Mito |
What is it?
Shikinbai removes the stones from firm plums and preserves the flesh with red shiso and salt. Also called ume-bishio in Mito, it is a chunky, purple-red, salty and sour preserve, not the smooth sweetened plum paste often sold under that broader name elsewhere.
Tradition credits Mito lord Nariaki Tokugawa with devising it to use Kairakuen's plums without waste. It accompanies rice, porridge and rice balls and also seasons dressings and dressed vegetables.
History and local context
MAFF identifies central Mito as the main transmission area and gives a method using about 10–15 percent salt and 10 percent red shiso by plum weight. Texture and salinity vary among homes and makers.
Online searches for ume-bishio often return sweetened Wakayama neriume. To find Mito Shikinbai, check the product name, production area and whether plum, red shiso and salt lead the ingredient list.
How to enjoy it
Start with half a teaspoon on white rice, then try a little with cucumber, chilled tofu, somen dipping sauce or a dressing.
It is salty. Use a clean spoon, refrigerate opened products as labeled and add it gradually.
Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Where is Mito Shikinbai (Ume-bishio) from?
It is associated with Ibaraki, in the Kanto region of Japan.
What kind of food is Mito Shikinbai (Ume-bishio)?
This guide classifies it as salted chopped plum and red-shiso preserve from mito. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Mito Shikinbai (Ume-bishio) online?
Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.
Order from Japan
Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.
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