Roasted sesame seeds with ume flavor (umeboshi / salted plum)

Ume is Japanese for plum, which is used in Japanese cuisine in a way that is sometimes more extensive than in European cooking. In Japan, unripe plums are fermented, resulting in small, pink, slightly pasty, fruity tangy morsels that are traditionally served with rice. They make a great lemon substitute with a much more complex flavor profile. And as an aromatic for crunchy sesame seeds, they can create a wonderful contrast in exciting dishes.