Once water from Ume itself comes up to the surface, now you are free from danger of having mold.
Normally before the rainy season ends, you can find Shiso leaves around you in Japan.
(In Melbourne, these shiso leaves can be found in Chinese market)
So! Pick the Shiso leaves.
This gives Umeboshi colour, red! Very red, but they are natural colour.
Picking Shiso leaves from the garden.
Use only leaves part, so take them from stalk.
Then wash them well.
Drain off water.
Sprinkle salt.
and rub it with salt.
Look! Now you can see very dark purple colour water. They are harshness, so please don’t use.
Drain off water well again.
Now, sprinkle salt again.
So quick! Done!
Now it’s ready to use with ume!!!
Continue to Making Umeboshi (vol4)