A Year in the Life of Ume Farming [Ume Domiane Arimoto]

At Arimoto Farm, Ume cultivation is not just about growing fruit—it’s a year-round commitment to nurturing the trees, enriching the soil, and ensuring the highest quality harvest for our beloved Umeshu. Here’s a glimpse into the meticulous care and effort that goes into each season on the farm.

Soil Preparation [October]

The year begins with improving the soil environment. We enrich the soil with compost to enhance its ventilation, water retention, and fertilizer absorption. This creates the perfect foundation for healthy Ume tree roots to thrive, setting the stage for a strong growing season.

Pruning [October to January]

Pruning at Arimoto Farm is not just a task—it's an art form, akin to the delicate craft of bonsai. Skilled farmers carefully trim the unnecessary branches while envisioning the tree's future shape and structure. Every cut is intentional, considering how the branches will grow, which sides will receive optimal sunlight, and how to enhance ventilation. This meticulous

• Improves fruit size and quality.

• Prevents diseases.

• Increases the lifespan of the trees.

• Promotes new branch growth for future harvests.

Pruning ensures that each tree is sculpted into its ideal form, ready to thrive and produce the finest Ume fruits. This artistry reflects our deep commitment to quality and care, which is evident in every bottle of Plumity Umeshu.

Pinching [April to May]

As spring arrives, we focus on pinching thick, strong branches that won’t produce fruit. By cutting the tips of these branches, we encourage softer branches to grow, which are more likely to yield healthy, well-nourished Ume fruits. This careful attention ensures optimal sunlight exposure for every branch.

Harvest Season [June]

Harvest is the most exciting time of the year. At Arimoto Farm, we wait for Ume to ripen to perfection, turning a beautiful yellow. For our Plumity Umeshu, we handpick each fruit with care, selecting only those with the perfect size, softness, and color—ensuring every bottle of Umeshu reflects the best of our harvest.

Watering [July to September]

After the harvest, Ume trees prepare for the next growing cycle. The hot summer months can be harsh, so we provide consistent watering to maintain leaf health and ensure proper photosynthesis. This helps the trees recover and store nutrients for the following spring.

Fertilizing [Throughout the Year]

Fertilizer is applied in April, June, and September to support the trees at key stages:

• Spring: To prepare for fruit production.

• Summer: To recover from the harvest.

• Autumn: To build reserves for the next year.
  

Through every season, the dedication of our farmers ensures that each Ume fruit is nurtured with care and precision. This devotion is what makes Arimoto Farm and its Umeshu truly special, honoring the tradition of Ume farming while delivering exceptional quality to our customers.