Dried Black Plum (Wu Mei) Granules | (100g bottle)

About

Dried Black Plum, also known as Wu Mei, is a traditional Chinese fruit valued in herbal practices for its distinctive sour and astringent taste.

It has been widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and culinary applications for centuries, believed to potentially support overall well-being.

Wu Mei is often incorporated into herbal teas and traditional preparations, offering a unique flavour profile alongside its long-standing place in Chinese practice.

Whether used in cooking, herbal infusions, or traditional blends, dried black plum remains a cherished ingredient.

At Vita, we supply premium quality concentrated herbal granules for busy individuals that do not have the time to decoct Chinese herbs traditionally.

Unlike other brands, our concentrated granules are produced using state of the art 'Spray Drying' technology, meaning a purer end product and 2-3 times higher concentration.

Potential Benefits

Sour and Astringent: Wu Mei's pronounced sourness is its defining quality, and the reason it is used to balance richer, sweeter ingredients.

Antioxidant: Wu Mei is potentially rich in antioxidants, such as polyphenols and flavonoids. These compounds may help protect the body against oxidative stress and could contribute to overall wellbeing.

Digestive Tradition: Long included in traditional preparations enjoyed after meals, alongside the other sour fruits in the range.

Traditional Heritage: One of the best known preserved fruits in Chinese practice, used for centuries in both cooking and herbal blends.

Convenient Format: Dissolves in hot water in seconds, with none of the simmering the whole fruit requires.

Using the Granules

We recommend a couple of grams of concentrated herbal granules per use.

This 100g bottle contains concentrated granules rather than whole fruit. Measure out your amount, add hot water, and stir until fully dissolved. There is nothing to soak, simmer or strain.

Because the granules are concentrated, the sourness is considerably sharper than a light infusion made from the whole fruit. Start with less than you think you need.

The granules can also be stirred into broths and soups. They cannot be used as a whole ingredient in cooking the way the dried fruit can, and they are not suitable for grinding into a seasoning.

Store in a cool, dark place with the lid closed, and use a dry spoon. Granules draw in moisture easily.

Other Formats of This Herb

If you would rather work with the whole dried fruit, Wu Mei is also stocked loose:

• Dried Black Plum (Wu Mei) | 100g the smaller pack, good for trying it first
• Dried Black Plum (Wu Mei) | 500g the bulk pack for regular use

What to Use It With

Wu Mei is rarely used on its own. These are the ones most often combined with it:

• Dried Hawthorn Berries (Shan Zha) | 100g the other sour fruit in the range, frequently paired with Wu Mei
• Dried Orange Peel (Chen Pi) Granules | 100g bottle another granule in the same format
• Dried Liquorice Root (Gan Cao) | 500g added to balance the sourness

Browse the full range in our Concentrated Herbal Granules collection.

Why Choose Vita?

At Vita Herbal Nutrition, we focus on providing premium quality herbs, handpicked to support your wellness aspirations and elevate your everyday recipes.

We offer a completely sulphur-free herb collection. Unlike many others who use sulphur to improve appearance and extend shelf life, this treatment can affect the herb’s natural properties and may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. You can read more on our non-sulphur treated herbs page.

That’s why we prioritise authentic DaoDi-grown Chinese herbs, cultivated in clean, unspoiled environments to preserve purity, potency, and sustainability. Through our long-term partnerships established since 2010, we source herbs from the best-growing regions, ensuring they are harvested at the optimal time for maximum effectiveness. To see how traditional herbs such as black plums can be enjoyed in cooking, explore our guide on 5 quick ways to use these in cooking.

Our advanced processing methods preserve the natural qualities of every ingredient, ensuring you receive the finest herbal supplements available.

FAQ

What is dried black plum (Wu Mei) used for?
Dried black plum is traditionally used in Chinese herbal practices and cooking, valued for its sour, slightly smoky character.

Does dried black plum contain antioxidants?
Dried black plum is potentially rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which could help protect the body from oxidative stress.

How much should I use?
A couple of grams stirred into hot water. The granules are concentrated, so start with less than you think you need.

What does it taste like?
Sharply sour with a smoky edge, more intense than an infusion made from the whole fruit.

What is the difference between the granules and the whole fruit?
The granules are a concentrated extract that dissolves in hot water in seconds. The whole dried fruit needs simmering, but can also be used in cooking and as a seasoning.