Horiuchi Kajitsuen Land is hosting a plum-and-tea-themed workshop on June 24, 2026. The event focuses on summer wellness traditions from Taiwan and China, offering participants the chance to make Taiwanese-style tea plums (chabaiko) and sample suanmeitang — a traditional Chinese summer health drink — alongside tips for incorporating ume into everyday cooking.
With the plum season in full swing, the workshop is aimed at those who want to try their hand at ume preparations beyond the familiar umeboshi or plum wine. By combining ume with oolong tea leaves, participants create chabaiko: a lightly sweet, aromatic preserve with a distinctive tea fragrance. The steeping syrup can also be enjoyed as a drink. Each participant takes home 1 kg of pre-marinated tea plums in a zip bag to finish at home.
Workshop Contents
1. Taiwanese Tea Plum (Chabaiko) Making
Participants steep ume plums together with oolong tea leaves to create chabaiko, a traditional Taiwanese tea accompaniment. The resulting flavor is nuanced and not overly sweet, with a gentle tea aroma. The syrup produced during steeping is also drinkable. Finished plums (in a pre-marinated state) are packaged for participants to take home (1 kg per person).
2. Sour Plum Drink (Suanmeitang) Tasting
Suanmeitang is a traditional Chinese summer health drink made from ume and hawthorn berries (sanzashi). It has a sweet-and-sour flavor that is easy to drink and is recommended for preventing heat exhaustion and relieving fatigue. A tasting will be available during the event.
3. Easy Ume-Based Condiments
The workshop also introduces simple ume-based condiment recipes — an accessible option for those who find traditional umeboshi-making too demanding. These preparations offer practical ways to enjoy the flavor of ume in everyday meals.
Event Details
- Event Name: Summer Wellness with Ume and Tea: Taiwanese Tea Plum Making and Sour Plum Drink Tasting Workshop
- Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
- Time: Session 1: 11:00AM to 12:30PM / Session 2: 2:00PM to 3:30PM
- Fee: ¥4,500 (tax included) *Tea accompaniment included
- What to Bring: Writing tools, eco bag, etc.
- Registration Deadline: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 (Registration closes early if capacity is reached)
Venue: Horiuchi Kajitsuen Land (Google Maps)
Reservations: https://select-type.com/rsv/?id=CHf5fneAQn8&c_id=442197&w_flg=1
Note: Cancellations after registration are not accepted due to ingredient preparation needs. If you are unable to attend, a substitute participant is welcome in your place. The event requires a minimum number of participants; if not reached, it will be cancelled and fees refunded.
