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As a country, Japan is divided into 47 administrative units called prefectures, with each prefecture identified with its unique specialties. Among these prefectures, the Wakayama Prefecture is known for producing the best and the largest number of ume plums, accounting for about 58% of the country’s total plum produce in 2020. The second-highest plum-producing prefecture is the Gunma prefecture, which produces only about 5% of the country’s total plum produce.
Let us understand why the Wakayama prefecture is so well-known for its ume plums.
The Kuroshio Current Impact
The Kuroshio Current, also called the Japan Current or the Black Stream, is a north-flowing warm ocean current. The Kuroshio current flows into the Kii Suido, an area that lies close to the Wakayama Prefecture. The current causes Wakayama to have a warm, mild climate throughout the year, making it highly conducive to growing ume plums.
High Rainfall and Longer Daylight Hours
The Wakayama prefecture sees very high rainfall every year. Besides, it also receives long hours of sunshine. Combined with the warm climate caused by the Kuroshio current, these conditions are ideal for growing the best ume plums.
Soil Rich in Calcium
Ume plums require calcium-rich soil to grow and produce the best fruits. Wakayama prefecture is known for its calcium-rich soil, making it the perfect fertile ground for producing Japan’s best ume plums. The plum trees get the required nutrients from the soil which in turn, helps produce a large quantity of best quality ume plums.
We can see that the Wakayama prefecture has all the right conditions for ume plum trees to grow and flourish. It has the right climate, the right soil, the right amount of sunshine, and is also aided by the warm sea current, all contributing to making the Wakayama prefecture the highest ume plum producing region in the country. Good quality plums are essential to make good quality umeshu. Plums from the Wakayama prefecture are the best one can get. No other prefecture in Japan meets all the conditions that ume plums need to grow.
