Chinriu Honten Artisans – Masters of Edible Sakura Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossom tree in Odawara in April.  Source : Tokusen 

Chinriu Honten has been producing handcrafted Japanese salted plums, known as umeboshi, for almost 150 years. In addition to umeboshi, the company also specializes in the artisanal production of red shiso and cherry blossom preserved in salt.  

Located in Odawara, a town that accounts for around 80% of Japan's production of salted sakura cherry blossoms, Chinriu Honten harvests the cherry blossoms each spring for preservation in salt and Japanese plum vinegar. The edible cherry blossoms are hand-harvested from Yaezakura trees, known for their large, spectacular blossoms and lack of fruit. 

The blossoms can be used for both pastries and mixology. Simply soak them in water to desalinate them and allow the petals to return to their original shape. Find them in our online store.