Green Shiso - Herb Seed

Green Shiso, also known as Perilla frutescens var. crispa, is a vibrant and aromatic herb belonging to the mint family. This variety of Shiso is cherished for its unique flavor, which combines hints of mint, basil, and anise, making it an essential ingredient in many Asian dishes. Green Shiso is not only prized for its culinary uses but also its medicinal properties and aesthetic appeal.

Key Benefits

• Culinary Uses: Green Shiso leaves are widely used in Asian cuisine, particularly in Japanese and Korean dishes. They are commonly used to garnish sushi, salads, soups, and stir-fries, adding a refreshing and complex flavor.
• Health Benefits: Green Shiso is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential oils. It is known to help with digestion, reduce inflammation, and support immune health.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant green, ruffled leaves, Green Shiso adds a beautiful, aromatic presence to any herb garden or edible landscape.

Variety Features

• Appearance: The leaves of Green Shiso are broad, deeply serrated, and bright green in color, creating an attractive foliage display. The plant can reach heights of 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) and produces small, pale purple flowers in late summer.
• Flavor: Green Shiso leaves offer a unique combination of fresh mint, spicy basil, and slightly anise-like notes, making them a versatile herb for a wide variety of culinary uses.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Best Time to Plant: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost, or sow them directly outdoors once the soil has warmed and the frost risk has passed.
• Temperature: Green Shiso thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C–24°C), making it ideal for warm growing seasons.

Planting Details

• Planting Depth: Sow Green Shiso seeds 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3–6 mm) deep in well-draining soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart to allow for proper air circulation and healthy growth.
• Soil Requirements: Green Shiso prefers rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).
• Sunlight: The herb thrives in full sun but can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hotter climates.

Care Instructions

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water the plant regularly to support healthy leaf growth, but ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer every month to encourage strong growth. Organic matter like compost can also be used to enrich the soil.
• Pruning: To maintain a bushy plant, pinch back the tips of the stems regularly. Removing spent flowers will also prevent the plant from going to seed prematurely.
• Pests: Green Shiso is generally pest-resistant but may attract aphids or whiteflies. If pests are a problem, treat with organic insecticidal soap.

Harvesting

• When to Harvest: Start harvesting leaves once the plant has grown enough, typically 6–8 weeks after planting. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous growth.
• Method: Use sharp scissors or garden shears to cut leaves from the plant, or trim the top third of the plant to encourage a bushier habit.
• Post-Harvest: Fresh Green Shiso leaves can be used immediately in your dishes. For longer storage, wrap them in a damp paper towel and refrigerate them for up to a week.

Storage Tips

• Drying: To dry Green Shiso leaves, tie the stems together and hang them upside down in a cool, dry area with good air circulation. Once dried, store the leaves in an airtight container.
• Refrigeration: For fresh leaves, store them in the fridge wrapped in a damp paper towel or place them in a sealed plastic bag to extend their freshness for up to one week.

Culinary Uses

• Sushi and Sashimi: Use Green Shiso leaves as a garnish or wrapper for sushi rolls and sashimi.
• Pickled: Pickled Shiso leaves are a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine, often used to flavor rice and other dishes.
• Salads and Stir-Fries: Tear or chop the leaves to add a fresh, aromatic flavor to salads, stir-fries, or soups.
• Beverages: Green Shiso can also be infused in beverages like teas and cocktails for an herbal twist.

Conclusion

Green Shiso is an aromatic, flavorful herb that brings a unique touch to both your garden and your kitchen. Whether you are adding it fresh to dishes or preserving it through pickling or drying, this herb offers versatility in flavor and use. With easy-to-follow care instructions and an array of culinary applications, Green Shiso is an excellent addition to any herb garden or culinary herb collection.