Perilla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Perilla |
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| Green shiso perilla (Perilla frutescens var. crispa) | |
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Perilla
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Perilla is a type of plant that belongs to the mint family. It's an annual herb, which means it grows from seed, lives for one season, and then dies, often leaving new seeds for the next year. In places with mild climates, Perilla plants can even reseed themselves, growing back year after year without much help.
You can find Perilla plants with both green and purple leafes. Their leaves look a bit like those of a stinging nettle, but they are usually a bit rounder and don't sting at all! Perilla is known by many names, like shiso, especially in Asian countries where it's a popular ingredient.
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Types of Perilla
There are several kinds of Perilla, but the most well-known is Perilla frutescens. This species has different varieties, each with unique features and uses.
Green Perilla
Green Perilla is often called shiso in Japan. Its leaves are bright green and have a fresh, slightly minty, and sometimes citrusy taste. It's very popular in Japanese cooking.
Purple Perilla
Purple Perilla, also known as red shiso, has beautiful deep purple leaves. It has a stronger, more peppery flavor compared to green Perilla. The purple color comes from natural pigments called anthocyanins, which are also found in blueberries and red cabbage.
Where Perilla Grows
Perilla plants originally come from East Asia, including countries like China, Japan, Korea, and India. Today, you can find it growing in many other parts of the world, especially in gardens where people like to grow their own herbs. It prefers sunny spots and well-drained soil to grow best.
Uses of Perilla
Perilla is a very versatile plant, meaning it has many different uses. People use its leaves, seeds, and even its oil for cooking, traditional medicine, and other purposes.
In Cooking
Perilla is a star ingredient in many Asian dishes.
- In Korea, people use Perilla frutescens leaves in many ways. They might wrap grilled meat in the fresh leaves, use them in salads, or make a type of kimchi with them. The seeds are also crushed to make a flavorful oil or a powder that adds a nutty taste to soups and side dishes.
- In Japan, Perilla frutescens var. crispa (shiso) leaves are very popular. Green shiso is often served with sushi and sashimi, or used to flavor tempura. Red shiso is used to color and flavor pickled plums (umeboshi) and to make a refreshing drink.
- In other parts of Asia, Perilla leaves are used in stir-fries, soups, and as a garnish.
For Health and Wellness
For a long time, Perilla has been used in traditional medicine. People believe it has properties that can help with different health issues. For example, some traditional practices use Perilla to help with breathing problems or to calm upset stomachs. The oil from Perilla seeds is also rich in healthy fats, like omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your body.
Growing Perilla
If you want to grow Perilla, it's fairly easy!
- Planting: You can plant Perilla seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, or start them indoors a few weeks earlier.
- Sunlight: Perilla loves sunshine, so pick a spot in your garden that gets plenty of light.
- Water: Keep the soil moist, but don't let it get too soggy.
- Harvesting: You can start picking the leaves when the plant is still young. The more you pick, the more the plant will grow!
