Perilla Leaf: What is Perilla Leaf?

Perilla leaf is a popular cooking

ingredient in a variety of different dishes.
And is commonly used as a herb in
Chinese Traditional Medicine.
What is Perilla Leaf 
Perilla leaf is a type of aromatic traditional Japanese herb that 
originated as a wild specie of the mint family. Following the leaf has a 
medium size and broadness that is spade-like.  
 
Hence it is ​very popular​ for many sushi dishes and can be as a side 
dish by ​marinating it with condiments​. Generally it is done with soy 
sauce, but it will also work with ​wasabi​, t​ onkatsu sauce​, or p
​ onzu 
sauce. 
Nonetheless it is also widely applicable as a herb in Traditional 
Chinese Medicine. And is useful for the cold, bloating, stomach aches, 
and lung problems. 
 
Meanwhile it can be eaten raw when it is rinsed clean of any dirt. 
Hence it can be part of r​ aw tuna sashimi​ and BBQ meats. 
 
Besides its usefulness in cooking, perilla leaves are cultivated and 
harvested mainly in Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. And the 
harvesting process is two months after the plantation. Further along, 
the process is done by cutting the sprig of the pair of leaves. 
 
Also you can freeze perilla leaf In the fridge however frozen perilla 
leaves are very hard and crunchy. Hence you will want to thaw it 
before using it for cooking. 
 
Following scientists has found that extracts of perilla leaf have 
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant properties. But not only 
that but also containing tumor preventing abilities. 
 
Additionally perilla leaves are rich in dietary fiber and minerals such as 
calcium​, iron, niacin, protein, and thiamine. And it in terms of minerals 
it is very high and vitamin A, vitamin C and riboflavin. 

What Does Perilla Leaf Taste Like 

Although its texture is a little fuzzy, these leaves are soft and tender. 
And it has this minty licorice taste that combines with bits of anise 
and basil.  
 
However some people say it has a uniquely nutty taste to it, as well as 
being described as having a very grassy texture. And a minty flavor 
that is exactly like shiso leaves. 
Perilla Leaf for Sushi 
Firstly ​for sushi​, it can be used either fresh or pickled and even fried. 
Furthermore in countries such as Vietnam and Korea, it is used to 
provide the background for many ​sushi dishes​. 
 
Nonetheless perilla leaves are also great pairing materials in sushi 
cooking. Since it can be used as an ingredient to ​make condiments​ by 
mixing with wasabi and shoyu. 
 
Furthermore due to its protective properties it can help you avoid food 
poisoning from ​eating raw sashimi​. Furthermore it can also be added 
to sushi to help improve appetite by suppressing the unpleasant smell 
of certain seafood materials. 
 
Nonetheless in many traditional sushi restaurants it can also be used 
as a decoration. Since many Japanese cuisines use inedible nandina 
or maple leaves as garnishes to improve artificial representation. 
 
Meanwhile it can also be made into a sushi drink by using the leaves 
as an ingredient for making tea. And these are only a few ideas for 
how to use the leaves since they were discovered 300 years ago in 
Kyoto. 
Perilla Leaves Gout 
Although there are many remedies that are from pharmaceuticals. But 
also other natural remedies that will prove to be very helpful, such as 
using perilla leaves. 
 
Even though it doesn't hold it prevents and cease pain and swelling 
caused by uric acid. But one thing for sure: it will ease the suffering of 
the pain from this ​condition​. 
 
Following, according to this s ​ ource​, mint remedy from the east has 
compounds that will inhibit xanthine oxidase. Hence preventing the 
formation of uric acid in the human body. 
Perilla Leaf VS Shiso 
Firstly in terms of taste shiso leaves are more pungent and grassy. 
Since in contrast to perilla leaves, it has more of the strong flavor that 
belongs to spearmint and cinnamon. 
 
Following, shiso leaves are better for foods such as salads, soups, and 
stew. Since it has a bit of the spiciness to it that likens to cinnamon 
which doesn’t fit in many sushi rolls.  
 
And even though it doesn't work in the same way as a perilla leaf. The 
spiciness of shiso leaves is ​great for food​ such as fried rice or r​ amen​.  
 
But unlike perilla leaf which is added to the sushi roll as you're doing it. 
From my own experience shiso leaves brown very easily as a result of 
heat, hence it is better to be added towards the end. 
 
Additionally in terms of how the two plants grow, perilla leaves grow 
higher. And can be grown to be as tall as 3 inches to 6 feet. 
Comparatively shiso leaves grow only two 3 feet tall.