Purple Shiso (Perilla frutescens nankinensis)

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Perilla frutescens nankinensis is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour is strange to western palates at first, some people detecting cinnamon, others coriander or citrus. — Edible young leaves and seedlings - raw or cooked.; The flavour is strange to western palates at first, some people detecting cinnamon, others coriander or citrus.; Seedlings are added to salads, older leaves are used as a garnish or flavouring.; Older leaves are also salted and used as a condiment for tofu and as a garnish for tempura.

Habitat & North American Range

Banks of streams and wet places. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)