The Mighty Green Plum: Over 2,000 Years of Hakka Tradition - Man and Trees Ep.1
Tart green plums are a local staple in many parts of Taiwan and China. Find out how these small but mighty fruits have shaped the development and migration of Hakka communities for over two millennia. In China’s Fujian province, carp marinated with preserved plums has been served on Hakka dining tables for hundreds of years. Archeologists recently discovered an over 2,000-year-old tomb in China’s Henan province. Inside this tomb, they found plum pits in an ancient cauldron, evidence that plums have been a staple in the Hakka diet for millennia. Beyond the fruit’s role as a food source, plum trees continue to inspire culturally-significant poems, songs, and artworks. But what makes these plums so popular? In ancient China, many wars and violent conflicts encouraged Hakka people to migrate from China's central plains into Guangdong and Fujian provinces. Plums were lightweight and highly nutritious, making them a good choice for people on the move. Ancient plum trees still grow along old migration routes, telling the stories of those who passed through long ago. Plums are also versatile: preserved plums, plum wine, and salted plum cakes are just some of the fruit’s many culinary uses. In the recent past, the plum trade in Taiwan was a booming industry, and farmers could make a great living from the plentiful local fruit. While farms still operate in Taiwan’s Chiayi and Nantou counties, due to globalization and changes in demand, it is more difficult than ever for farms to stay profitable. However, many plum farmers still want their legacies to live on. Their children are now learning the ins and outs of growing plums and discovering that it requires much more skill and intuition than they ever imagined. Join us as we travel through Taiwan and China to trace the fascinating cultural journey of the beautiful plum tree.
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