Shiso
Shiso: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
Shiso is an aromatic plant associated with Japanese cooking, where its leaves contribute flavour as well as a distinctive shape on the plate. It belongs to the genus Perilla and the mint family, Lamiaceae. Japanese shiso is generally associated with Perilla frutescens var. crispa. The broader name perilla also covers other culinary forms, so it does not guarantee the same leaf character or aroma in every plant.The foliage is the main attraction. Broad, oval leaves sit in opposite pairs, with clearly toothed edges and a surface that may be wrinkled or more strongly curled. Depending on the selection, they are green, reddish purple or contrasting colours on their two sides. Upright, branching stems give the plant a leafy outline. The small flowers appear in spikes and are less conspicuous than the leaves.Its fragrance becomes especially noticeable when a leaf is handled. The flavour is distinctive and varies between forms; it…
