Green Plum Vinegar

Why people make this vinegar

Every spring when green plums come to market, Bro Niu likes to put up a jar or two — they are cheap, easy to make, and good for you. He has shared green plum wine before (a folk favourite for sciatic discomfort); this vinegar version is the one he reaches for to support healthy blood pressure, the heart and blood vessels, and to keep gout at bay. A spoonful in water makes a pleasant, sour-sweet daily drink.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Older adults and anyone wanting a gentle daily tonic drink for joint and cardiovascular wellness
• Those who prefer it sweeter can use two boxes of maltose; diabetics should go easy on the sugar
• As with any vinegar, dilute well and take after meals if you have a sensitive or acidic stomach

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Green plum (qing mei): traditionally valued as sour and astringent, associated with supporting the lungs and easing joint discomfort.
• Rice vinegar (mi cu): the fermenting medium; in folk practice vinegar is linked with circulation and softening richness in the diet. Aged black vinegar (chen cu) can be used instead.
• Maltose (mai ya tang): balances the sourness and helps the brew taste smooth.

Ingredients (1 large jar)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Green plums (qing mei)	~900 g	Pick off the stem-ends with a toothpick first
Rice vinegar (mi cu)	~600 g	Aged black vinegar (chen cu) works too
Maltose (mai ya tang)	1 box (~225 g)	Or crushed rock sugar; double for a sweeter result

Method

1. Use a toothpick to flick out the stem-end of each plum (this is where dirt hides most easily).
2. Wash the plums, then air-dry them completely.
3. Pack the dry plums into a clean glass jar and pour in the rice vinegar.
4. Spoon the maltose in over the top.
5. Seal and keep in a cool, shaded place for 3-4 months until ready.
6. To serve, take 1 tablespoon and dilute with water.

Bro Niu’s tips

If you do not have maltose, crushed rock sugar works just as well. The maltose pictured is from Pat Chun; if you like things sweet, use two boxes. The diluted vinegar tastes even better served chilled over ice.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Jjpo): Can I swap the rice vinegar in this plum vinegar for aged black vinegar? Bro Niu: Yes, aged black vinegar (chen cu) can be used instead.
• Q (Mrs Lo): Thank you for your reply. Bro Niu: For high blood pressure you can drink green plum wine (I have replied privately). It also helps with coughs thanks to its lung-astringing, cough-easing quality — but children should not have the wine.

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Published April 6, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.