Is Japanese herb Shiso a medicine? It‘s a type of condiments

Shiso is native to China, but they seem to recognize it as a weed. So that Chinese may be surprised that shiso is often eaten in Japan.

Today I would like to introduce Japanese herbs Shiso!

What is Shiso?

Shiso (perilla) is a very fragrant ingredient, as it is also called a Japanese herb. In Japan, it cooked for tempura or condiments (ingredient with a strong aroma), and is used as a garnish for various ingredients such as tofu.

There are red and green Shiso(perilla), and green one is often used. Red one is sometimes used to color foodstuffs.

What is the nutrition of Shiso?

There are red and green perilla, and there is a difference in the presence or absence of the red pigment component, perilla, but there is no big difference in nutrition.

Shiso is rich in β-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, E, and K, as well as niacin, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.

Has a bactericidal effect!
Perillaldehyde, limonene, and pinene, which are also unique scent components of shishi. Perillaldehyde has a high antibacterial and antiseptic effect. That’s whyIt is often placed on a plate with sashimi.

It also promotes the secretion of digestive enzymes and has an appetite-promoting effect.

Protection of eyes, hearing, mucous membranes and skin
Green perilla is rich in β-carotene. The content of β-carotene is one of the highest among vegetables!

When β-carotene is absorbed into the body, it is converted to vitamin A, which protects the eyes, hearing, mucous membranes and skin, and strengthens resistance.

Rich in iron! Anemia prevention
Shiso is high in iron and also contains a lot of vitamin C, which helps absorb iron, so it is recommended for people with anemia.

Eliminate water fatness?
Shiso is high in potassium. Potassium promotes diuresis and sweating, so it also has the effect of eliminating swelling.

For allergy measures!
Shiso has the function of promoting the decomposition of alcohol in the blood and the function of suppressing the amount of substances that cause allergies to worsen when allergies develop. It is also recommended for people with allergies such as atopy, hay fever, and asthma.

How to cook Shiso?

Perilla leaves goes well with oil. Beta-carotene can also be absorbed efficiently when combined with oil, so it goes well with fried foods.

When you makeTempura, put dough on only one side of perilla and deep-fry it to make it crispy.

Of course, you can enjoy the aroma even if you eat it raw as a cold tofu or with some side dishes.

Let’s eat a lot of shiso!

Shiso has a refreshing scent and is appetizing. As an accent to cooking which is shows various faces depending on the arrangement.

Click here for recipes using Shiso.
(The image is ’Some tips to make it tasty! Egg-free crispy vegan Tempura’)