Shiso

A distant botanical relative of mint, shiso goes by several names in English and Japanese. “Beefsteak-plant leaf” is one English name, “herb leaf” another. In addition to shiso, in Japanese the leaves are also called ōba, meaning “big leaf.” Traditionally a summer herb, it is cultivated year-round in the United States, though the summer months still yield the tastiest leaves. Shiso is typically sold in Styrofoam plates covered with clear plastic wrap, each packet containing ten leaves. Keep it refrigerated at home, wrapped in damp paper towels and clear plastic wrap. The broad-leafed herb will stay fresh for 5-6 days. The first sign of spoilage is the appearance of dark areas on leaves or stems.