Variety guide
Li hing mui explained
Li hing mui is a salty, sweet and sour preserved plum from Hawaii's Chinese community. The plum is eaten as a snack, while li hing powder — made largely from ground plum skin — is used as a tangy seasoning on fruit, sweets and cocktails. It is one of the most versatile members of the salty plum family.
What does the name mean?
“Li hing” refers to the preserved plum; “mui” refers to the plum itself in Cantonese. The name travelled with Chinese migrants to Hawaii, where it became a local institution. Today it is as Hawaiian as pineapple, even though its roots are firmly Cantonese.
Plum versus powder
They are sold as two related products:
- Li hing mui (the plum). A whole or pitted preserved plum, chewy and coated in powder. Eat it straight from the bag.
- Li hing powder. A fine seasoning, often bright pink-red, used like a sour-sweet salt. It is the star of the show for many people.
How to use li hing powder
- On fresh fruit. Sprinkle over pineapple, mango, apple or watermelon. The classic introduction.
- On snacks. Popcorn, nuts and gummy lollies all take to it.
- On a glass rim. A salty plum rim for margaritas. See our cocktail guide.
- In drinks. Stir a pinch into soda or lemonade for instant tang.
Li hing powder is basically the salty plum equivalent of a spice rack staple. Once it is in the cupboard, it goes on everything.
Li hing mui vs salty plum
They are close relatives. The main differences are origin, coating and sweetness. Li hing mui is strongly associated with Hawaii and usually has a pronounced powdery coating with a sharp, almost medicinal tang. Chinese salty plums can be similar but are often sweeter and either bright red or naturally dark. For the wider picture see the varieties hub and salty plum vs umeboshi.
Frequently asked
Is li hing mui the same as red salty plum?+
Not the same, though they can look similar. Red salty plums are usually Chinese-style and sweeter and firmer; li hing mui tends to be tangier, softer and more heavily dusted with powder.
Can I eat the powder on its own?+
You can, but a little goes a long way. It is intensely sour and salty and is best used as a seasoning.
Where can I find it in Australia?+
Asian grocery stores and specialty food retailers are often worth checking. Our Find Salty Plums guides cover the cities, and you can browse the range online .