Vietnamese Name: Tiá Tô

Common Culinary Name: Vietnamese Perilla,  Perilla

Botanical Family & Name: Lamiaceae, Perilla  Frutescens?

Vegetative Description: Leaves are green on top, purplish color on the bottom.  Broad finely haired leaves with slightly serrated edges.  The beautiful contract in colors makes this plant a great display.

Native Habitat & Ecology: India & East Asia

Tasting Note: Earthy & bold flavored. Also in in the mint family.

Culinary Uses: Eaten raw alongside soups, tossed in salads, and grilled dishes.

Medicinal Uses: Chinese medicine to stimulate body’s immune system

Propagation: Easily propagated using young cuttings in water or soil.  From seed produces a more tender leaf, you just have to wait longer.

Other Names: Shiso (Japanese Perilla-it is related to but slightly different from most marketed shiso.)