Unlike basil and other herbs, Green Shiso / Ooba is indispensable for Japanese cuisine. Isn’t it the most self-cultivated standard plant among Japanese living overseas? Furthermore, even when watching overseas cooking programs, I see popular chefs and competition participants using Shiso.
Asian supermarkets
Although it is becoming more popular, it is rarely found in ordinary supermarkets overseas. However, in Asian supermarkets, you can occasionally see them in the refrigerated corner. It’s especially easy to find in large stores.
No needs to be big Asian supermarkets
It is also available at stores that are neither large nor focused solely on Japan, so it is worth looking for a refrigerated corner.
Planting Green Shiso
Shiso / Ooba are popular in Japan as plants that beginners can easily cultivate. If seeds are available overseas, they can be cultivated relatively easily.
Shoso seeds are available at the online shop
If you search with “Perilla Shiso Green Seeds”, you can find both Green Shiso and Red Shiso at the seed online shop. Sometimes there are different types, so please choose according to your preference.
Perilla Shiso Sheeds + your area (e.g. UK)
Plantable with planter, balcony, half-shade
Growing in a slightly sunny place is also an attractive place for perilla cultivation. Since the leaves become hard, it is better to cultivate them in the half shade to harvest delicious Shiso.
Better to have a net to prevent insects
I hoped that herbs with a strong scent would not get insects, but if no measures were taken, green insects would get attached. If you find it, pinch it with disposable chopsticks and poi! I’m surprised, but honestly, it doesn’t feel good because I hate insects. I haven’t tried to get rid of it completely because of bad internet connection, but it’s still effective, so I recommend you to introduce the internet at an early stage.
Let’s eat sprout, ear, and fruit as well
If you cultivate it yourself, you will be blessed with a chance to eat the slightly high-class condiments sprouts, ears and fruits, even in Japan.
Sprouts (Mejiso)
“Mejiso” cuts (thinning out) unnecessary buds from the time when seeds are sown and start to germinate in order to leave strong and good buds. The cut sprouts can be eaten, so it is a small reward as a condiment for sashimi and tofu. Even if it’s small, it tastes like perilla.
Hojiso / Mijiso
“Hojiso / Mijiso” is the last fun to harvest when the flowers bloom at the end of the season. It is delicious if you make it into tempura or remove the ears from the stem and pickle it in soy sauce or mentsuyu.
Will it grow in the same place next year?
If left unattended after the flowers have bloomed and bear fruit, seeds will form and spill on the ground. Shiso may grow from this spilt seed in the next year. In fact, a shiso plant was growing in the garden of a person I met in Canada, and he said that he was envious of it, saying, “It grows on its own every year.”
Planting indoor
Seeds are available, so you should be able to grow them indoors if the environment is right. Perilla usually blooms when it gets cold, then gradually withers and ends the harvest season of the year. However, it can be cultivated indoors because it is easy to maintain at room temperature. If you are cultivating indoors at home, please try shiso.
Under planning “perilla year-round cultivation plan” in hydroponics
I would like to try whether Shiso can be cultivated all year round with the “hydroponics” that started this year. There are a lot of HPs and videos that have been successful and share the method, so I will do it with reference to it.
結論：できる？できない？
I like to put it in dumplings!
if you buy：
・Check Asian supermarket
If you plant：
・Search with “Perilla Shiso Green Seeds” at the online shop
・Plantable with planter, balcony, half-shade
・Insect repellent net is recommended
・Don’t forget to enjoy the buds, ears, and real buds.
