This is the Shōeidō Tamura no Ume, a traditional wagashi made with plums, green shiso leaves, and mochi rice. Produced in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, it has been crafted for approximately 100 years.

The box contained six individually wrapped wagashi, each packaged with a chiyogami accent, lending a classic and elegant touch.

Each piece featured green ume paste, blended with a shiroan base, encased in soft gyūhi. This was then wrapped in a salted green shiso leaf soaked in honey, shaped into a pentagon to represent the petals of a plum blossom.

The shiso imparted a fragrant aroma upon opening the packaging and provided a smooth exterior. Beneath, the gyūhi offered a soft, springy texture that enhanced the tactile experience. Biting into the wagashi revealed a layered structure: the taut shiso leaf gave an initial crispness, followed by the delicate gyūhi, and finally the thick, velvety ume paste.

The ume paste delivered a rich fruity sweetness, featuring apricot-like notes typical of ume but without its usual tartness. This absence of acidity created a rounded flavour profile that allowed the shiso’s herbal fragrance to shine. The ume paste offered a rich, fruity sweetness with apricot-like notes characteristic of ume, though without its usual tartness. This lack of acidity resulted in a well-rounded flavour profile that allowed the herbal fragrance of the shiso to take centre stage. The shiso’s subtle saltiness tempered the sweetness of the ume paste, adding depth to the finish. The aromatic and flavourful balance of the ume and shiso was beautifully captured in this wagashi, making it a unique and delightful treat, perfect as a souvenir from Iwate Prefecture.

This Shōeidō Tamura No Ume contained 6 pieces. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Ichinoseki, Japan in 2024.