Description
Perilla (Perilla frutescens var.crispa)
Aka-maruba
Bred by one of our Japanese specialist breeders, known as Japanese Shiso. ‘Aka-maruba’ has deep magenta-red slightly serrated leaves. Used as a natural food colouring and flavouring, with leaves best steamed thus cooked before use. Also, looks attractive as an ornamental garden plant.
English common name: Perilla / Beefsteak Plant
Typical leaf size: 7 x 5cm (length x width)
Maturity: Early
Best period to harvest: once the leaves turn magenta red.
Production: open field.
Culinary use: cook and use the leaves as a natural food colouring and flavouring.