Micro Red Shiso
Estimated Inventory, 4 oz : 11.00
This item was last sold on : 11/19/24
Fresh Origins | Homepage |
Description/Taste
Micro Red shiso greens are very small in size, averaging 5-7 centimeters in length, and produce slender purple and green-tinged stems with 1-2 broad and flat leaves that taper to a small point. The tender, ovate leaves have a serrated edge, prominent light purple veining, and a dusty green base speckled with red and purple accents. Micro Red shiso is crisp, initially earthy and sweet, but then develops into a spicy and pungent flavor with hints of cumin, basil, anise, and spearmint. It also has an aroma that is reminiscent of cinnamon and cloves.
Seasons/Availability
Micro Red shiso is available year-round.
Current Facts
Micro Red shiso is the tiny, young, edible version of the mature green and is typically harvested 14-25 days after sowing. Microgreens are a relatively new, trendy green seen in upscale restaurants since the 1980s-1990s. Micro Red shiso greens are most commonly consumed raw and whole without additional preparation and provide a delicate, mild flavor to dishes. Micro Red shiso is used in a variety of cuisines as a garnish and is used to elevate the taste, appearance, and texture of culinary dishes.
Nutritional Value
Micro Red shiso contains calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and K.
Applications
Micro Red shiso greens are best suited for raw applications as their flavor, and delicate nature cannot withstand high heat. They are popularly used in Japanese cuisine as they offer a subtle flavor and tender texture, and can be used to garnish sushi or sashimi, sprinkled over miso soup or soba noodles, wrapped around meat, mixed in with tofu or bean curd dishes, added to stir-fries, or even steeped in green tea. Micro Red shiso can also be used in fish dishes, especially fried fish, richer fish like salmon and tuna, or mixed into a crab and avocado salad. Micro Red shiso pairs well with pear, apple, plums, cabbage, lemongrass, onion, lime, wasabi, mint, cilantro, melon, soy sauce, sesame, eggs, yogurt, sea urchin, fried foods, oily fish, and rice. They will keep 5-7 days when stored unwashed, in a sealed container, and in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Micro Red shiso is a popular ingredient for the Japanese cuisine known as kawaii, which translates to “cute” in English. The kawaii food movement involves cooking meals in miniature pots and pans over candle heat and has been increasing in popularity since 2015. Micro Red shiso is frequently used in the kawaii food trend because its miniature size lends itself to a variety of dishes and acts as a fresh, green garnish with a flavorful bite.
Geography/History
Shiso is native to East China where it is cultivated and has been growing wild since ancient times. In the 1850s, shiso leaves were brought to the New World, and microgreens were first grown in southern California in the 1980s-1990s. Today Micro Red shiso can be found through select distributors and specialty grocers in Asia, Europe, and the United States.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
Temaki | Encinitas CA | 702-489-2129 |
Espadin | Temecula California | 951-383-5585 |
Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
Cloak and Petal | San Diego CA | 626-319-6878 |
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
Pendry SD (Lion Fish) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
Le Coq | La Jolla CA | 858-427-1500 |
The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Micro Red Shiso. One is easiest, three is harder.