Perilla frutescens - Korean Perilla, Shiso, Deulkkae, Beefsteak Plant Seeds

Description

Perilla frutescens (commonly known as perilla, shiso, beefsteak plant, or Korean perilla) is an aromatic annual herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to East Asia and widely cultivated. It grows 30 to 100 cm tall, with square stems and broad, serrated, often purple-tinged leaves that release a distinctive fragrance when crushed. In late summer, it produces small clusters of white to purple flowers, followed by tiny, round, brown seeds. Both leaves and seeds are edible: the leaves are popular in Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisine, while the seeds yield a nutritious oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Hardy and easy to grow, it thrives in warm, sunny conditions with well-drained soil, and self-seeds readily.