A highly concentrated, premium paste that captures the vibrant aroma and delicate complexity of fresh shiso in a convenient, ready-to-use format.
Think of it as a Japanese-style pesto, with the unique aromatic flavour of green shiso replacing the basil.
Green shiso (Perilla frutescens), often known as Japanese basil, is one of Japan's most distinctive culinary herbs. Although it's a member of the mint family, its flavour is unlike anything else, combining refreshing notes of mint and sweet basil with hints of coriander, anise and citrus.
In Japan, fresh shiso leaves are commonly served with sushi and sashimi, wrapped around grilled meats, added to salads and noodle dishes, or used as a fragrant garnish for bento. The clean, aromatic flavour cuts through rich ingredients beautifully, making it a favourite companion to seafood, oily fish and fried foods.
As fresh shiso leaves can be seasonal, this paste offers a simple way to enjoy its unique flavour all year round. The concentrated format preserves the herb's freshness and means you only need a small amount to transform a dish.
With its smooth texture and subtle savoury seasoning, it can be used like a pesto, stirred into sauces and dressings, spread onto bread like a tapenade, or added directly to pasta, rice and marinades for an instant burst of herbaceous flavour.
This exceptional paste is produced by Yoshima Noen, a family-run farm in the mountain town of Hida Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. For over 20 years, the Yoshima family has cultivated and processed agricultural products using traditional Japanese methods, including natural fermentation techniques based on lactic acid bacteria. By sourcing the majority of their ingredients locally and avoiding unnecessary chemical additives they create foods with exceptional flavour and quality.
For more information, see the How to Use section below.
Store at room temperature. After opening, refrigerate and consume within one month.
