A new friend: Red Shiso

Our local natural foods supermarket had a number of starts for sale this season, both veggies and herbs. Despite my best efforts, my lemon cucumber didn't make it, which I think isn't too shabby considering I only lost one start out of the many I planted this year, and our soil isn't spectacular. I returned to the store looking for a squash start to place in the trellis instead, since my young crookneck squash vine is growing like weedy gangbusters and seems quite happy. They were fresh out of squash, but they had other items -- including this noble-looking, impressive dark red herb. Red Shiso? I'd never heard of it. But one taste transported me straight to south Asia, where I might sample a Vietnamese or Thai plate with lemongrass and bamboo shoots, or perhaps an Indian curry. It's delicious! Sometimes, being bold and trying "that weird new thing" has great hidden rewards.

Also called Perilla, and sometimes nicknamed Beefsteak Plant, Red Shiso has a unique, mildly spicy taste a bit reminiscent of cumin. It goes well in meat dishes, Asian stir-fries, or simply in a salad where you desire a certain extra flavor. The leaves range from maroon-tinged green to pure, deep bloodred. Perhaps I'll try it in pulled pork or with steak and beets ...on the rare occasions I take meat in my meal. Otherwise, lovers of meatless tacos, saute and salads will find much to like about this plant. Its interesting taste, for instance, could provide added exotic zing in place of cilantro for those folks who dislike cilantro's occasional "soapy" flavor (personally, I love the stuff).

Finally, let's face it: Red Shiso is a handsome plant. It's also rumored to be quite hardy, even escaping its confining pot. My start wilted partly in our two recent scorching days while waiting to be planted, but immediately perked up on being watered, its broad leaves fanning out overnight. This winter, I hope to keep it going in our greenhouse.

Some forms of Perilla are outrageously beautiful. I mean, *???!* Yow.

Welcome, new friend, to my wild little plot of earth!