Plum Harvest Season in the South and Climate Change

Hello everyone! Have you ever felt the freshness of early summer through plums? Did you know that plums harvested in the southern regions, in particular, vary in taste, nutrition, and usability depending on their harvest time? The southern region includes areas like Gwangyang and Suncheon in Jeonnam, and Hadong and Jinju in Gyeongnam, which account for the majority of plum production in Korea. So today, we're going to delve into the details of the plum harvest season and how to best utilize them.

Plum Harvest Season: When is the Best Time?

Traditionally, plum harvesting in the southern regions began around the vernal equinox in early June. However, due to climate change in recent years, the harvest period has been shifting slightly. Based on current trends, the plum harvest season in the southern regions is compressed into about a month, typically from late May to late June or early July.

• Late May ~ Early June: The allure of unripe plums and the start of green plums
• Early June ~ Mid-June: The golden period for harvesting green plums in the southern regions
• Mid-June ~ Late June: The ripening of yellow plums, full of deep flavor

Choosing Plums Based on Your Intended Use

When harvesting plums, it's crucial to decide on the harvest time based on what you plan to make. For instance, if you want to make crisp pickled plums (jangajji), firm green plums harvested in early June are ideal. If you're aiming to create fragrant plum syrup (maesilcheong) or plum wine (maesilju), it's best to choose yellow plums harvested after mid-June.

• Pickled Plums (Jangajji): June 5th ~ June 12th (Firm green plums)
• Plum Syrup & Wine: June 15th ~ June 25th (Ripe yellow plums)

Harvest Times and Characteristics by Major Producing Region

Even within the southern regions, there are slight differences in harvest times due to variations in temperature and geographical features. For example:

• Gwangyang, Jeonnam: Harvesting begins from late May
• Hadong, Gyeongnam: Harvests a day or two later than Gwangyang
• Jinju & Suncheon, Gyeongnam: Peak green plum harvest around June 10th

Tips for Storing Fresh Plums

After harvesting plums, there are a few techniques to maintain their freshness. It's best to harvest in the morning when dew has settled and then lower the fruit's temperature in the shade. Don't forget to discard any bruised fruits. This way, you can fully preserve the plums' medicinal properties.

In conclusion, the plum harvest season in the southern regions can vary slightly depending on the year's climate, so it's wise to align with the natural rhythm. Embrace the flavor and nutrition of plums to create a healthy and delicious table!