If you love the bright, bold flavors of basil, mint, and cilantro, chances are you’ll be smitten with shiso, an aromatic herb that’s a mainstay in Japanese cuisine.
This herb is great in drinks, soup and as a seasoning on sautee potatoes. This red herb is also used as a dye for plums in umeboshi. It will turn everything it touches a nice purple hue. Add to pickles for color.
You can also dry and make furikake, a seasoning blend for rice.
Or use it as a garnish on soup, mix into a dip, or use in place of lettuce on a sandwich.