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.
And 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, tonkatsu sauce, or ponzu 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 raw 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 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 asian 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 totally cease the 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 source, 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. Because 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 ramen.
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 too 3 feet tall.
