Umeboshi - Japanese Salt Plum

Besides their dramatic flavour, Japanese plums have remarkable medicinal qualities. Their  powerful acidity has a paradoxical alkalizing effect on the body, neutralizing fatigue, stimulating the digestion, and promoting the elimination of toxins. This is the Far Eastern equivalent to both aspirin and apple: not only is it a potent hangover remedy for mornings after; more than that, an Umeboshi a day is regarded as one of the best preventative medicines available. The plums are pickled, left outside to be exposed to the elements of the sun and evening dew, packed in barrels, with crude salt and shiso leaves, and then pressed by a weight. The combination of these elements, pressed over a period of at least six months, creates the natural bacteria, enzymes, organic acids and powerful alkaline qualities of the Umeboshi Plum. In fact, Umeboshi Plum has been called "The King of Alkaline Foods". 
Alkalinity is an important factor for health. We want our blood to be just to be slightly alkaline (about 7.35). If the blood is too acidic, then harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, fats and mucous thrive and grow, contributing to degenerative blood and disease. Our blood can become too acidic from consuming an excessive amount of sugar, refined flour products, alcohol, toxins and animal foods. This condition worsens with an inadequate intake of oxygen, often caused by sedentary lifestyles. 
You will find them in Organic Health Food Stores or in Japanese Food stores!
An Umeboshi Plum a day keeps the doctor away!