Perilla Shiso

Description

Perilla Shiso (Perilla frutescens) belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is native to Asia. It thrives in Fields, Gardens, Roadsides, Waste ground environments across regions including Japan, Korea, China, Southeast Asia.

Botanically, Perilla Shiso is aromatic herb essential Japanese Korean cuisine. Leaves wrap sushi. Seeds oil.. It is also known locally as Perilla.

The edible parts include Leaves, Seeds. With an edibility rating of 8/10, it ranks as an excellent wild food source. Harvesting is best done during August, July, June and September.

Nutritionally, Perilla Shiso stands out for its Vitamin K (60.0mg, 50% DV), Vitamin C (30.0mg, 33% DV) and Calcium (200.0mg, 15% DV). It also provides 1.0g protein and 2.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving.

In the kitchen, Perilla Shiso offers a Aromatic minty basil flavor profile. Raw wrap pickled seeds oil. Common culinary applications include raw wrap, pickled, seed oil, garnish. Popular preparations include Shiso wrap, Perilla oil, Pickled shiso, Toasted seed snack.

For storage, fresh 5d Pickled 6mo.

Safety note: No toxicity. Antinutrient content is no antinutrients. Safe lookalike species include Basil mint. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

Foragers should collect perilla shiso during Jun, Jul, Aug and Sep. Choose young, vibrant parts for optimal flavor and nutrition. Avoid specimens near polluted areas, roadsides, or treated agricultural land.

Field identification relies on recognizing the plant in its natural habitat — typically fields, gardens, roadsides, waste ground. Flowers, leaf arrangement, and growth habit provide the most reliable identification markers. Always consult at least two independent botanical sources.

Traditional Asia communities have long valued perilla shiso as a seasonal wild food. Its reliable growth and nutritional density made it a valuable resource during lean periods and food scarcity.

In contemporary cuisine, perilla shiso pairs excellently with olive oil, garlic, and citrus. It complements wild herbs, foraged mushrooms, and hearty grains. Experiment with both raw preparations and slow-cooked dishes to appreciate its full range.

Edibility

Harvest Calendar

Nutrition (per 100g)

Culinary Uses

raw wrap, pickled, seed oil, garnish

Storage

Fresh 5d Pickled 6mo

Recipes

• Shiso wrap
• Perilla oil
• Pickled shiso
• Toasted seed snack
• Seed flour bread
• Seed dressing granola
• Stir-fried Perilla Shiso
• Perilla Shiso tempura

Where It Grows