The plums cultivated in Taiwan come in six main varieties and are farmed on the west side of the central mountain range. The plums ripen from March to May. Plums can induce appetite, dispel abdominal distention, resolve the effects of alcohol, prevent motion sickness and colds, etc. Since these plums are highly acidic and only slightly sweet, they are not often used as fresh fruit after harvest and are instead turned into plum preserves.