Purple Perilla Frutescens var Crispa from Kitazawa Seed

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Our Purple Perilla patch really grew into a thing of beauty this summer. And, it was all from volunteer seedlings that sprouted from last year's plants.

The deep purple leaves are beautiful as filler in flower arrangements and bees love the tiny flowers.

The flavor is delicious if you like cinnamon, which we do. Many people use this mint in salads, to wrap seasoned rice, and as a vinegar dye in pickling recipes. Here's a recipe that layers the leaves with a spicy vegetable sauce - sounds yummy - Misty Yoon. Or you could make Kim Chi following the recipe on Maangchi. Two of its names include Sesame, for example, in French its name is Sesame sauvage.

 Our original seeds came from Kitazawa Seed

Another variety Perilla frutescens, is used in Shinto ceremonies. There is plenty of speculation about medicinal uses such as its containing Omega 3 oils, but nothing that sounds like it should be recommended...It's mostly grown for the varnish industry.

Of course, October is its time to go to seed so it's on my mind to collect and distribute seeds to new locations around the garden beds. As we are planning for next spring and summer, we have other plans for the bed where it has been allowed to flourish for a couple of years.







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