Minabe city, the Birthplace of Nanko-ume ”Gekkou Farm”

2010.3.172019.4.23

A plum utopia during the blossom season

Whether it is salt plums or plum wine, Kisha Nanko-ume makes the best Japanese plum products. Nanko-ume originated in Minabe city where Gekkou Farm is located. Plum cultivation has been prosperous in the area for a very long time. During the Meiji era, larger than average sized plums were discovered, which came to be known as Nanko-ume.

At Gekkou Farm in Minabe city, they have been making only plums for 85 years.
The 2.8 hectares plum orchard located on the top of a hill is covered with white flowers every February. The flowers look down over the ocean, and the aroma of blooming plum blossoms from 600 plum trees creates a plum utopia.

Protecting the ecosystem

The orchard is placed on the hill overlooking the ocean not just for scenic reasons. By building the orchard on a hill, it allows water to drain, and the air is drier, making the trees healthier.

Because of their belief that ”by maintaining the ecosystem, the trees will be protected from pests and disease”, Gekkou Farm does not use weed killers either. If a good balance is maintained between the soil and grass, and the insects and plum trees, healthy plums grow with minimal agricultural chemicals. At Gekkou Farm, thick and soft Nanko-ume are made within the cycle of nature.