Kishu Umeshu Beninanko

"Beninanko-ume" is a variety of Nanko-ume grown in Wakayama whose green surface is tinged with bright vermilion from sunlight. This tinge is found only on the fruits that receive abundant sunlight on the trees; Beninanko is a very rare and precious type of ume, traded only in high-end markets. Also because Beninanko-ume can only be harvested in years with good weather, they become so valuable in rainy and cloudy years, making its shipment impossible. In comparison with regular green ume, the fruits of Beninanko-ume have a peach-like fragrance. Kishu Umeshu “Beninanko” is made only with Beninanko-ume; a generous amount of fruits (1.5 times more ume fruits based on our calculation) are steeped to produce this umeshu.