

Enter the
Share Market®
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.


Description/Taste
Magilla shiso is a variety of wild basil grows as an annual in the shape of a mound, reaching heights of up to three feet. Magilla shiso has broad, oval-shaped, and wrinkly leaves with serrated edges. The large burgundy, green and magenta-colored leaves can grow up to six inches long with the occasional cream variegation. The Magilla variety has a milder aroma than that of other perilla varieties, with hints of basil and mint with a mildly spicy aftertaste. In the late summer, flower spikes grow up from the leaf base and bloom small white flowers.
Seasons/Availability
Magilla shiso is available in the summer through the fall months.
Current Facts
Magilla shiso is a wild, Asian basil cultivar, grown for its ornamental and aromatic foliage. The plant itself has a strikingly similar appearance to that of a common ornamental plant called a coleus, which also happens to be in the mint family. The herb Magilla shiso is botanically classified as Perilla frutescens 'Magilla'. It is sometimes referred to as Magilla purple, Perilla or Beefsteak plant, a name Perilla frutescens was given for its large, maroon-colored leaves which slightly resemble an uncooked beef steak.
Nutritional Value
Shiso is rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, as well as other minerals. Shiso contains compounds like apigenen, limonene, and myristicin, called flavonoids and polyphenols that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Applications
Magilla shiso is most commonly found in Asian cuisines. It has the appeal of adding both flavor and a bit of color to many dishes. The herb is used as a spice for fish, vegetables, rice, and soups. Add freshly chopped Magilla shiso to salads or use as a garnish. Pair chopped Magilla shiso with grated ginger and add to stir-fry, tempura or salads. Julienned or roughly chopped Magilla shiso can be used to add flavor and color to the pickling brine for cucumbers or other vegetables. The leaves are tender, and do not store for long periods of time. Wrap unwashed bunches of Magilla shiso in plastic and store in the refrigerator for a few days. Chop the ends of the stems and place a bunch of the herbs in a glass of water to keep longer.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Chinese medicine, shiso is an anti- inflammatory herb and is used in the treatment of asthma, colds, cough and lung afflictions, influenza prevention, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, food poisoning and allergic reactions. In the United States, for a time, shiso was used to flavor beverages like sarsaparilla.
Geography/History
The native range for Perilla frutescens is from southeastern Asia to the Himalayas. Magilla shiso is a hybrid species that is highly resistant to drought and extreme hot or cold. It was first discovered amidst the collection of a Japanese specialty grower and was introduced to the market in 2002. Because it does resemble a popular ornamental plant, Magilla shiso is available through many plant and seed companies, and is sold as a border plant for the garden. If not contained, Magilla shiso can escape the garden and as of 2016, it is considered an invasive plant in some areas of the United States. Magilla shiso can be found at local farmer’s markets and at specialty grocery stores.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Magilla Shiso. One

Just One Cookbook |
![]() |
Eggplant + Myoga Salad |
Recently Shared
People have shared Magilla Shiso using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
![]() ![]()
Tonnemaker Valley Farm
Near Seattle, Washington, United States16211 140th Place NE Woodinville WA 98072 206-930-1565 https://www.tonnemaker.com About 129 days ago, 9/10/20 Sharer's comments : Shiso is a game changer in my Thai salad. Once you go shiso there is no going back :) ![]() ![]()
Tonnemaker Valley Farm
Near Redmond, Washington, United States16211 140th Place NE Woodinville WA 98072 206-930-1565 https://www.tonnemaker.com About 163 days ago, 8/08/20 ![]() ![]()
Specialty
Near Santa Monica, California, United States619-295-3172 About 579 days ago, 6/19/19 Sharer's comments : Magilla Shiso ( Korean ) Shiso ![]() ![]()
Romeo Coleman
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1-805-431-7324 About 579 days ago, 6/19/19 Sharer's comments : Red Shiso growing strong ![]() ![]()
Specialty
Near Santa Monica, California, United States619-295-3172 About 586 days ago, 6/12/19 ![]() About 589 days ago, 6/08/19 Sharer's comments : Beautiful Red Shiso from Coleman Family Farms. ![]() About 657 days ago, 4/02/19 |