Green Perilla Leaf (Shiso)
Aojiso / Ōba
あおじそ / おおば
青紫蘇 / 大葉
What is it?
Green shiso is one of the most commonly used herbs in Japanese cooking and a member of the mint family. It is also known as Ōhba (大葉 ), which means ‘big leaf’.
How can it be eaten?
Green shiso complements all kinds of dishes: meat, seafood or vegetarian. The leaf can be used whole as a garnish, receptacle for sauces, wrapped around onigiri, sushi and fish that is then grilled to produce a fragrant fish dish. Green shiso can also be shredded and added to salads, soups, nabe (Japanese stew) and sprinkled over rice, cold noodles and tofu dishes.