🌿 Bi-Color Shiso: The Aromatic Jewel of the Garden

The Bi-Color Shiso (Perilla frutescens var. crispa) is an Asian aromatic plant with stunning two-toned leaves—green on top and purple underneath. This variety adds aesthetic appeal and a unique taste to dishes, featuring a complex flavor profile reminiscent of basil, mint, and anise, with a slightly spicy and citrusy touch.

Highly versatile in cooking, it is widely used in Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisine, whether in raw preparations, infusions, condiments, or even desserts. Easy to grow, it adapts well to temperate and cooler climates, making it an ideal plant for Canada and Quebec.

📜 Origin and History of Bi-Color Shiso

Shiso is a traditional Asian plant cultivated for centuries in Japan, China, and Korea. Its name means “purple leaf” in Japanese, although several varieties exist, from green shiso (aojiso) to red shiso (akajiso).

Historically, shiso was used not only to enhance dishes but also in traditional medicine, valued for its digestive, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. The Bi-Color Shiso, with its striking two-tone foliage, is particularly appreciated for its bold flavor and decorative appeal.

🌱 Germination and Planting of Bi-Color Shiso

Shiso is an easy-to-grow plant, but it requires warmth for successful germination.

📌 How to Germinate the Seeds?

1️⃣ Indoor Sowing: Start seeds 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in fine, slightly moist soil.
2️⃣ Ideal Temperature: Maintain 65-72°F (18-22°C) for quick germination within 7 to 14 days.
3️⃣ Transplanting to Pots: Once seedlings reach 2 inches (5 cm), transfer them to larger pots for better growth.
4️⃣ Outdoor Transplanting: After the last frost, plant outdoors or in containers, spacing them 12 inches (30 cm) apart.

🌿 Care and Adaptation to Canadian and Quebec Climates

🌞 Optimal Growing Conditions

🔹 Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun, depending on summer heat intensity.
🔹 Soil: Light, well-draining, and slightly acidic, enriched with compost.

💦 Watering and Maintenance

💧 Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
💧 Mulching is recommended to retain moisture and protect roots.

🍃 Pruning and Harvesting

✔️ Pinch back young shoots to encourage branching and tender leaves.
✔️ Harvest frequently to promote continuous production.

❄️ Growing in Quebec and Cooler Regions

🛡️ Start plants indoors to extend the growing season.
🌱 Grow in containers to bring plants indoors in late summer and prolong harvests.

🥗 Bi-Color Shiso in Cooking: A Flavorful and Versatile Leaf

With its intense aroma and slightly spicy taste, shiso pairs well with both traditional and modern recipes. It is often used fresh, fried, pickled, or dried to enhance flavors.

🍽️ Simple and Authentic Recipe Ideas

🥗 Shiso, Cucumber & Sesame Salad
👉 Toss finely chopped shiso leaves with cucumber slices and sesame seeds, dressed with rice vinegar.

🍣 Crispy Shiso Tempura
👉 Dip whole leaves in a light batter and fry for a crispy, airy texture.

🍙 Shiso & Umeboshi Onigiri (Rice Balls)
👉 Mix chopped shiso with pickled plum in seasoned Japanese rice for a traditional snack.

🍽️ Gourmet Recipe: Tuna Tartare with Bi-Color Shiso and Ponzu Sauce

🍣 Ingredients

• 200 g ultra-fresh tuna
• 5 Bi-Color Shiso leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ponzu sauce
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 pinch of salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

🍽️ Preparation

1️⃣ Dice the tuna into small cubes and place in a bowl.
2️⃣ Add ponzu sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and sesame seeds.
3️⃣ Mix in the chopped shiso leaves and gently combine.
4️⃣ Shape the tartare using a ring mold and serve with rice chips or crispy nori sheets.

A refined and balanced dish, where shiso adds an intense aromatic note and a contrast of textures.

🍸 Cocktails and Drinks with Bi-Color Shiso

🍹 Shiso Sour (Japanese Shiso & Yuzu Cocktail)

🔸 2 oz gin or sake
🔸 3 Bi-Color Shiso leaves
🔸 0.5 oz yuzu juice
🔸 0.5 oz simple syrup
🔸 1 egg white (optional for a foamy texture)

👉 Shake well and serve over ice, garnished with a shiso leaf.

🍸 Shiso & Lime Mocktail

🔸 3.5 oz sparkling water
🔸 3 shiso leaves
🔸 0.5 oz honey syrup
🔸 Juice of 1 lime

👉 Muddle the shiso slightly before adding other ingredients and serve chilled.

⚠️ Is Bi-Color Shiso Safe to Eat?

✅ The leaves and seeds of shiso are edible and widely used in cooking.
🚫 The roots should not be consumed, as they may contain irritating compounds.

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