Perilla Cultivation, Uses, Benefits in Detail

Perilla farming refers to cultivating a versatile plant known as Perilla (Perilla frutescens). Perilla is a herbaceous annual plant that belongs to the mint family. Grown for its leaves, which are rich in nutrients and have various culinary and medicinal uses. The plant has a unique flavor profile, often described as a combination of mint and basil, making it a popular ingredient in Asian cuisines. Perilla leaves can be used in salads, stir-fries, and sushi rolls, adding a refreshing and aromatic touch to dishes.

Apart from its culinary benefits, Perilla also offers benefits because of its high antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals content. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may aid digestion and respiratory health. Perilla cultivation is relatively easy as it can adapt to various soil conditions and requires minimal maintenance. It is commonly grown from seeds, and the plants can reach a height of 1-2 feet. Whether you’re an avid cook or a health-conscious individual, perilla farming can be rewarding, providing you with a versatile and beneficial herb for your culinary and wellness needs.

What is Perilla Farming?

Perilla farming involves the cultivation of Perilla frutescens, a plant belonging to the mint family. It is an annual herb native to Southeast Asia and the Indian highlands, and it is widely grown as a crop in various regions, including the Korean peninsula, southern China, Japan, and India.

Perilla is not only grown for its culinary uses but also for its visual appeal and ability to attract butterflies. It emits a strong mint-like fragrance, adding to its charm. In Japan, a popular variety of Perilla known as “shiso” (P. frutescens var. crispa) is extensively cultivated. While Perilla is cherished in many cultures, it can be considered a weed pest in the United States, particularly due to its toxicity to cattle if ingested.

The perilla plant grows to a height of 60–90 cm (24-35 in) and features square stalks covered in fine hair. Its leaves are opposite, with an overall oval shape, serrated margins, and long leafstalks. They are primarily green with occasional touches of purple on the underside. During late summer, the Perilla produces small flowers arranged in racemes at the ends of branches and the main stalk. The flowers are calyx with three upper and two lower hairy sepals. The corolla is 4-5 mm long, with a longer lower lip.

Additionally, the Perilla develops schizocarp fruits measuring 2 mm in diameter, featuring a reticulate pattern on the outer surface. Perilla seeds come in various colors, such as white, grey, brown, and dark brown, and they can be either soft or hard. They are globular in shape and weigh approximately 4 g (1/8 oz) per 1000 seeds. Notably, perilla seeds contain a lipid content ranging from 38% to 45%.

Uses of Perilla

Perilla frutescens, also known as Beefsteak or Chinese Basil, is a popular herb cultivated for its seeds and leaves in the hills of India, Nepal, China, and other Southeast Asian countries.
The seeds of Perilla have a delightful nutty flavor and are commonly used in side dishes, chutneys, and as a garnish for various food items. The seeds are also utilized for extracting high-quality oil, while the leaves are consumed as a vegetable.
Apart from culinary uses, Perilla has ornamental varieties that add beauty to gardens. However, our focus here is on Perilla frutescens and its uses.
The seeds of Perilla are commonly ground and mixed with tomatoes, onions, and spices to create a spicy sauce or chutney. In countries like Korea and Japan, the seed paste is used in soups, and the oil derived from the seeds is employed as a garnish for dishes. The tender leaves of Perilla are also consumed in salads or added to vegetable curries.
Perilla has been used in traditional medicine for its effectiveness in treating coughs, colds, and asthma, primarily due to the presence of the flavone luteolin. Furthermore, the seed oil of Perilla is rich in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, making it a suitable substitute for cod liver oil, particularly beneficial for vegetarians who do not consume fish-derived products.

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Benefits of Perilla

Perilla offers several benefits that are worth mentioning. Firstly, it is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), essential for our heart’s health and circulation system. These fatty acids contribute to overall cardiovascular well-being.
Moreover, Perilla contains antioxidants that protect our cells by eliminating harmful free radicals. These antioxidants help maintain the proper functioning of our cells, promoting overall cellular health.
Perilla has also been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of asthma. The presence of flavonoids in Perilla aids in relaxing the muscles of the trachea, providing relief for asthma sufferers.
Perilla seeds contain various phenols, such as rosmarinic acid and apigenin, which possess antidepressant properties. These compounds contribute to the potential mood-lifting effects of Perilla seeds.