Noshi Ume, Yamagata Plum Confection
Noshi Ume is a thin amber confection made by cooking ripe plums with sugar, starch syrup and agar, then spreading and drying the mixture. It is chewy but clean-biting, with a pronounced plum...
At a glance
| Name | Noshi Ume, Yamagata Plum Confection (Noshi Ume) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Yamagata |
| Region | Hokkaido & Tohoku |
| Type | Thin dried plum-and-agar confection between bamboo sheaths |
What is it?
Noshi Ume is a thin amber confection made by cooking ripe plums with sugar, starch syrup and agar, then spreading and drying the mixture. It is chewy but clean-biting, with a pronounced plum aroma, bright acidity and sweetness.
Satoya's version is held between two pieces of dried bamboo sheath. The sheath is packaging, not food; opening it reveals a translucent sheet marked by fine parallel lines.
History and local context
Satoya traces its business to 1821 and says the sweet developed from a plum restorative known in Edo-period Yamagata. The mixture is poured into glass-lined frames, dried for about two days, cut by hand and paired with bamboo sheath.
Several makers produce confections called noshi-ume. This page focuses on Satoya's Yamagata product and avoids treating one origin claim as universal; compare maker, plums, ingredients, thickness and packaging.
How to enjoy it
Peel away both bamboo sheaths, cut the edible sheet into narrow strips and taste it first at room temperature. Green tea, unsweetened black tea and mild cheese balance its concentrated sweet-tart flavor.
Noshi Ume is a maker-specific confection here, so no imitation recipe is offered. Follow the package for storage and the best-before date.
This is a branded commercial confection; compare the maker and authorized seller when purchasing.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Where is Noshi Ume, Yamagata Plum Confection from?
It is associated with Yamagata, in the Hokkaido & Tohoku region of Japan.
What kind of food is Noshi Ume, Yamagata Plum Confection?
This guide classifies it as thin dried plum-and-agar confection between bamboo sheaths. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Noshi Ume, Yamagata Plum Confection online?
Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.
Order from Japan
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