Perilla, Beefsteak plant

Where does Perilla grow?

Found in: Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, SE Asia, Europe, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Russia, SE Asia, Sikkim, Taiwan, Tasmania, Tibet, United States, Vietnam

Notes: There is only one (6) Perilla species.

Status: It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. It is sold in local markets in China.

Growing Perilla, Beefsteak plant

Cultivation: Plants are grown from seed. The seed need to be cooled to 5°C for 3 days before planting. Seed need light to germinate. Plants should be spaced about 30 cm apart.

Edible Uses: The young leaves, flowers and seeds are eaten cooked. They can be dried and used later. They are also used for flavouring. They are used in chutney. The young cotyledons are sprouted and eaten. The roasted seeds are pickled. The seed oil is used as an ingredient in cooking. They are used to improve the taste of curry. Caution: Wild forms are poisonous due to ketones. These are toxins to the liver.

Nutrition Info

Perilla, Beefsteak plant Photos

References

Perilla references Perilla frutescens

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