Video

In this video I show how to make a refreshing Summertime drink enjoyed by the people of Japan. It is called Aka Shiso (Red Shiso) or Red Perilla juice made from the leaves of the Red Perilla. The leaves I use in this recipes was harvested from our 2022 garden.

Here is a link to Kitazawa Seed Co. they specialize in Japanese/Asian seeds for gardening if you'd like to try and grow some yourself. They seem to grow quite well in the Upper Midwest Zone-4: https://kitazawaseed.com/products/shiso-seeds-perilla-purple

Red Shiso has many health benefits as well, such as it being:
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Antiviral
• Antibacterial
• High in iron
• High in Calcium and carotene
• Good for the respiratory tract and those with asthma
• Able to improve/support immune function
• Excellent for stomach aches and digestive upset

For this recipe I used the following:
• 12C Water
• 8C Red Shiso/Red Perilla chopped leaves
• 2C Honey or sugar
• 2/3C Lemon juice

The strained and discarded leaves can be made into a rice seasoning called, Yukari. See this link, which I have also used as a reference: https://www.justonecookbook.com/red-shiso-juice/