Why doesn't the Japanese plum feature more in cuisine? One bakery's novel plum patties are getting rave reviews in Wakayama Prefecture, an area renowned for its plum orchards.
Hirokawa-based Bakery Kawa's Kishu Ume Burger is made from chicken and "nanko ume," a variety of local plums that's highly valued.
The burger's name recalls Wakayama Prefecture's old title, Kishu.
"We try to select ingredients only from our region, so I hope this will help our customers enjoy the real taste of Wakayama," said a staff member at the bakery.
In November, the Tottori Burger Festival named the Kishu Ume Burger Japan's finest. The annual contest, held in Tottori Prefecture, draws thousands of burger afficionados.
The burger is filled with honey-marinated nanko ume and chicken. The hens are reared with feed containing plum vinegar and the patty is topped with sweet and sour plum sauce.