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.)
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