Perilla

Perilla is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae, best known for the Asian herb species Perilla frutescens.

Perilla is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae, best known for the Asian herb species Perilla frutescens. It includes cultivated forms used as culinary herbs, leafy vegetables, and seed-oil crops, especially in East and Southeast Asia. The genus is also known by several common names, including shiso, beefsteak plant, and Korean perilla.

Taxonomy

Perilla is a genus in the mint family, Lamiaceae. The best-known species is Perilla frutescens, which includes several cultivated varieties used for food and other purposes.

Description

Perilla is an upright annual herb with aromatic leaves and small flowers. Leaf colour can range from green to purple or red, depending on the variety.

Uses

Perilla leaves are eaten fresh, cooked, pickled, or used as garnish, while the seeds are pressed for oil. The plant is also grown as an ornamental and has a long history of use in traditional medicine.

Distribution and cultivation

The genus is native to Asia, with cultivation especially important in Korea, Japan, China, Vietnam, India, and neighbouring regions. It is also grown outside its native range as a garden plant and crop. In Canada, perilla is grown in gardens and specialty food markets, especially as an Asian culinary herb.