shiso!
Last week in my CSA farm share from 41North I received a package of shiso leaves. I had NO idea what to do with them. The shiso leaf is in the mint family. It is a heart shaped leaf with saw toothed edges and comes either in green or reddish purple leaves.
The leaf combines the taste of basil and mint all in one as well as having tastes of cinnamon and cloves. It’s hard to explain the complex flavors accurately. Shiso is used throughout Asia as garnish, added to cold noodle salads and used in sushi. If you search for recipes on Google, many Asian inspired recipes will pop up. I have had a lot of fun experimenting with this unique leaf and creating new and interesting flavor combinations (as you can see from the photos and recipes below!). Shiso has been gaining popularity in the Western world, appearing in mocktails and cocktails on menus, replacing the traditional use of mint and basil. If you are lucky enough to find some shiso leaves, then I suggest you search for some Asian recipes and head to your kitchen!
For more information on shiso, click here
Check out some fun recipes below.