Pickled Ginger

That beautiful pile of tender pinkish pickled ginger that adorns the platter of sushi is a simple treat to make. You can also buy pickled ginger, of course, but homemade is easy. Be sure to start with very fresh (firm and unwrinkled) young ginger. It should have pinkish coloring around the stem end and a thin skin. It’s easiest to find in the early fall, at Asian groceries.

If you have no red shiso (perilla) leaves, the ginger slices will still turn slightly pink, because of