China's early summer superfruit, 杨梅 Yangmei

China’s early summer superfruit | Yangmei (杨梅, yángméi, Myrica rubra), also called Chinese bayberry or yumberry is back in the Chinese fruit markets.

Usually available from 2nd half of May to end of June, the flavor resembles a mix of sweetness, sourness and tartness with hints of strawberry, cranberry and pomegranate. Yangmei is commonly eaten fresh, dried, as juice or fermented in alcohol.

The juicy berry has been cultivated in China for over 2000 years and prized for both its health and flavor. It contains high levels of antioxidants, especially OPC’s and Vitamin C, and more recent studies claim that eating yangmei lowers LDL cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

The berry has also been used in TCM since ancient times, among others for smoothing digestion and relieving thirst during summer heat.

Taste this unique fruit when you have a chance :-)