What is shiso? The Japanese herb | Soluna Barcelona
Soluna · Eixample · Barcelona

What is shiso? The Japanese herb

Shiso is an aromatic Japanese leaf with a fresh, slightly aniseed flavour reminiscent of mint, basil and cumin. It is used in sashimi, tempura, salads and drinks.
Cocina de Soluna, restaurante japonés en Barcelona
Cocina de Soluna, restaurante japonés en Barcelona
01

What is shiso

A plant of the mint family (Perilla frutescens). There are two main varieties: green (ōba), the one most used in cooking, and red or purple, used to colour pickles such as umeboshi.

Cocina de Soluna, restaurante japonés en Barcelona
Cocina de Soluna, restaurante japonés en Barcelona
02

What it tastes like

A complex aroma: herbal, citrusy and a little spicy. It is refreshing and cleanses the palate, making it a perfect companion to raw fish.

Cocina de Soluna, restaurante japonés en Barcelona
A complex aroma: herbal, citrusy and a little spicy.
Cocina de Soluna, restaurante japonés en Barcelona
03

How it is used

It is placed under or over sashimi, wrapped in nigiri, chopped into salads or sauces, and battered in tempura, where it turns crisp. It is also used in drinks, ice creams and pickles.

Cocina de Soluna, restaurante japonés en Barcelona
Cocina de Soluna, restaurante japonés en Barcelona
04

Shiso and Mediterranean cooking

Its herbal profile suits Mediterranean ingredients such as tomato, olive oil or rockfish, a natural bridge between the two traditions.

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Cocina de Soluna, restaurante japonés en Barcelona
Carrer de Casanova 157 · Barcelona

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