The history of plum wine
The earliest record of plum wine dates back to the Jin Dynasty in China (265-420 AD). It is said that Sima Qian, a great historian of that time, wrote about a plum wine that was offered to him by Empress Dowager Xuan. Plum wine then began to spread to Japan and Korea.
During the Tang Dynasty in China (618-907 AD), the physician Sun Si-miao (581-682 AD) wrote a treatise on herbal medicine in which he mentioned using plum wine to treat various ailments. In the book, he recommended storing plum wine in a cool, dark place.
Plum wine was introduced to Europe in the 16th century by missionaries returning from Asia. At first, it was used only as a medicine. However, the Europeans soon began to enjoy it as a Beverage and it became quite popular.
During the 18th century, plum wine became a common drink in England. It was often served with brandy and was called a “flip.” One of the most popular brands of plum wine in England was that made by the company, Lachryma Christi.
The English writer, Charles Dickens, mentions plum wine in several of his novels. In “A Christmas Carol,” Ebenezer Scrooge asks for a glass of plum wine before going to bed on Christmas Eve.
In the United States, plum wine was first made by immigrants from Germany and Austria. These wines were usually quite sweet and were often used in cooking. Today, plum wine is produced in many parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Italy, France, and Australia.
There are many types of plum wine. Some are made with red plums, while others are made with green plums. The color of the plum wine depends on the type of plum used. Plum wine can be dry or sweet. It can also be sparkling or still.
The flavor of plum wine varies depending on the type of plum used. Red plums tend to give the wine a sweeter flavor, while green plums make it tart. Plum wine is often flavored with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Plum wine is usually served chilled. It can be served as an aperitif or as a dessert wine. It is also a popular ingredient in cocktails.
There are many health benefits associated with plum wine. Plum wine is a good source of antioxidants. It can also help to boost the immune system. Plum wine has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
So, there you have it – a brief history of plum wine. This delicious and healthy beverage has been enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries. Why not try a glass of plum wine today?Citation
The art of aging plum wine
Sake, also called nihonshu, is a Japanese alcohol made from fermented rice. While wine is made from fermented grapes, and beer is made from fermented grain, nihonshu is made from koji (rice malt), yeast, and water. Sake is often called “rice wine,” but this is a misnomer, as wine is made from the fermentation of sugar, while sake is made from starch.
Sake has been made in Japan for over 2,000 years. It was originally used in religious ceremonies, and later for special occasions such as weddings and funerals. Today, sake is enjoyed by people of all ages and is the national drink of Japan.
There are many different types of sake, and the flavor and quality can vary greatly. The two main types of sake are junmai and honjozo. Junmai sake is made with only rice, koji, and water, while honjozo sake is made with rice, koji, water, and a small amount of alcohol. Honjozo sake is usually lighter in flavor and has a lower alcohol content than junmai sake.
The rice used to make sake is different from the rice you eat. It is a short-grain rice that is milled down to about 30% of its original size. This process is called polishing, and it removes the germ and bran from the rice grain. The more the rice is polished, the higher the quality of sake.
After the rice is polished, it is washed and soaked in water for about 30 minutes. Then, the koji is added and the mixture is allowed to ferment for about two weeks. The koji breaks down the starch in the rice into sugar, which the yeast then ferment into alcohol.
After fermentation, the sake is pressed to remove the solids and then filtered. It is then ready to be bottled or stored in casks. Some types of sake are aged, which can give them a more complex flavor.
Sake is typically served warm or at room temperature in small cups called ochoko. It can also be served in larger cups or glasses, and it can be drunk straight or diluted with water. Sake can be enjoyed with food or on its own, and it is said to pair well with a variety of dishes.
Aging plum wine, also called umeshu, is a type of Japanese liqueur made from plums. The plums are soaked in alcohol, typically shochu or vodka, and sugar, and then left to steep for several months. The resulting liqueur is sweet and delicately flavored.
Umeshu can be made with fresh or dried plums, and the type of alcohol and sugar used can also vary. The most common type of plum used is the greengage plum, but other types of plums can be used as well.
Umeshu can be served on its own or mixed with other drinks. It is often served over ice, and it is a popular ingredient in cocktails.
Aging plum wine is a relatively new phenomenon, and the exact origins are unclear. However, it is thought to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century. It became popular in the 1970s, and it has since become one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in Japan.
There are many ways to enjoy umeshu, and it can be made at home or bought commercially. If you are making it at home, you will need plums, alcohol, sugar, and time.
First, wash the plums and remove the pits. You can use fresh or dried plums, but if you are using fresh plums, they should be ripe.
Next, soak the plums in alcohol for at least two weeks. The alcohol will extract the flavor from the plums.
After two weeks, add sugar to taste. The amount of sugar you add will depend on your personal preference.
Allow the mixture to sit for another two weeks, then strain the plums and bottle the liqueur. Umeshu can be enjoyed immediately, but it will be even better if you allow it to age for a few months.
Aging plum wine is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Japan. Whether you make it at home or buy it commercially, it is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.
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