Perilla / Shiso
[Shiso (Japan); Deulkkae, Tulkkae, Kkaennip, Sesame leaf
(Korea); Tia to (Vietnam); Pak Maengda (Laos); Zi su (China); Silem
(Nepal, India); Shiso, Beefsteak plant, Purple mint, Japanese basil,
Wild coleus (North America);
Perilla frutescens var japonica and others]
These large leaves are widely used particularly in Japan and Korea, whole or shredded, as a garnish. Young flower spikes are used as a garnish and to flavor pickles in Japan and Taiwan.
the photo specimens are clearly Korean. The Japanese Shiso leaves are much more deeply serrated, they lack the purple color on the underside common with the Korean variety, and the flavor is slightly different. The Korean variety is much more available here in Los Angeles as Japanese markets are now few and far between here.
The Chinese use perilla mostly as a medicinal to stimulate the immune system rather than in their cuisine.
Apparently due to translation problems the Korean name is presented as "Wild Sesame" and "Sesame Leaf" despite perilla being related to sesame only at the very distant order level. Actual sesame leaves are rarely eaten, though they are edible.
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Tia-to Leaves
The Vietnamese variety of perilla is considerably smaller than
the Korean or Japanese and is more aromatic. It is used in soups and
stews, and particularly with rice vermicelli dishes called
bún. In Laos they are used in a similar dish called
kao phoon.
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Perilla Seeds
Perilla seeds yield an oil high in ALA Omega-3 fatty acids. It
can stand cooking temperatues up to 350°F/177°C.
The seeds themselves are also used. In Korea, they may be added to a recipe, or toasted, crushed and mixed with sesame and salt as a condiment. They are similarly used mixed with salt in Japan. In Nepal and nearby parts of India they are toasted, ground and mixed with salt, chili and tomato to make a condiment or dip.
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Buying: Perilla leaves of the Korean variety are easy to find in markets serving a Korean community, of which we have many here in Los Angeles. The Japanese variety is harder to find because Japanese markets have become few and far between here - but the sushi bars have sources. The Vietnamese variety can usually be found in one or more of the big Asian markets along Vally Blvd. in Anaheim and in the Little Saigon district of Orange County. Perilla seeds are easily found in plastic bags in Korean markets, but are not much available anywhere else. Storing: Leaves should be loosly bagged and will keep only a few days. Seeds will last at least a year tightly sealed in a cool place away from light. |