Plums are a traditional ingredient cherished in various forms on our tables. Among them, plum syrup (maesilcheong), pickled plums (maesiljangajji), and plum wine (maesilju) are particularly popular. Understanding the plum harvest season in the central regions is crucial information for those cultivating or harvesting plums. Today, we will delve into the plum harvest season and important considerations for these areas.

Plum Harvest Season in Central Regions

The plum harvest season in the central regions of South Korea generally spans from mid-June to early July. While it's widely known that plum harvesting in Korea begins around 'Mangjong' (around June 5th), this is primarily based on the southern regions. Due to lower temperatures and a later blooming period of 1-2 weeks in the central areas, the growth cycle of plum trees differs.

• Green Plums (Cheongmaesil): Mid-June to late June
• Yellow Plums (Hwangmaesil): Late June to early July

Climate Change and Harvest Timing

Recent years of climate change have significantly impacted plum cultivation in the central regions. Specifically, rising spring temperatures are causing earlier plum blooming and increasing the risk of frost damage. Consequently, the plum harvest timing has become more variable, with two main changes observed:

• Overall Earlier Blooming Period: Plum blossoms are appearing 3-5 days earlier compared to the past.
• Shortened Harvest Window: Due to high temperatures, the ripening process from green to yellow plums is accelerating.

Plum Harvest Season by Variety

Many plum varieties cultivated in the central regions are known for their strong cold resistance. Each variety has a different harvest time, so it's important to accurately identify the optimal period. Here are some commonly cultivated varieties and their harvest timings:

• Cheonmae: June 15th - 20th
• Cheongchuk: Around June 20th
• Namgo: Late June - Early July
• Okyeong: Mid to late June

Signs of Optimal Harvest

Observing the external characteristics of the fruit is more useful for determining the plum harvest time than relying solely on the calendar. Let's look at the signs for harvesting green and yellow plums at their peak:

• Green Plum Harvest Signs:
  • Fruit Size: When the fruit reaches its full size characteristic of the variety.
  • Skin Color: When the skin turns a slightly translucent, pale green.
  • Seed Hardness: When the seed has hardened.
• Yellow Plum Harvest Signs:
  • Aroma: When a sweet, characteristic plum fragrance is noticeable.
  • Color Transition: When 50-70% or more of the fruit has turned yellow.
  • Firmness: When a slight, yielding softness can be felt.

Precautions During Plum Harvest

There are a few precautions to keep in mind when harvesting plums. Avoid harvesting on rainy days, and handle the fruits carefully to prevent bruising. Since moisture on the fruit's surface can easily lead to mold, it's best to harvest on a clear morning.

Plum harvesting is a delicate process of capturing the moment of natural ripeness. Plums from the central regions are firm and rich in flavor, making it crucial to harvest them at the appropriate time depending on their intended use. We hope this information helps ensure a successful plum harvest for you!