primer on shiso

Shiso, known as perilla or beefsteak leaves in English, is an herb widely used in Japan but relatively unknown in North America and even other parts of Asia, er except for Korea. I wonder why this is...it is rather fragrant and similar to it's cousins, basil and mint, so why hasn't it taken root (sorry, bad pun) in other countries?

Healthwise, perilla is considered rich in vitamins and minerals, has anti-inflammatory properties and is thought to help preserve and sterilize other foods. It costs from 50 cents to 1-dollar for a bunch of it at the supermarket here. My friend Elsie told me it was unbelievably priced at a Japanese store in Canada...next time, I'll send you seeds Elsie!

My favorite is shiso-jochu, shiso-flavoured Japanese liquor (not sake). Drinking it makes one feel like they are skimming their feet on the azure waters of some tropical paradise. Shiso marries so well with umeboshi...my favorite recipe being: shiso~cheese~umeboshi~fake crabmeat~mochi...wrapped in wontons and fried! Try it someday.