Herb
Bicolor Shiso
B tier
Bicolor shiso shows green upper leaf surfaces and purple undersides (or mixed zones)—visual drama with a flavour between green and red types: aromatic, slightly tannic, excellent for plating. Often sold as Britton or similar named forms. Use whole so both colours show on sashimi and salads. A restaurant favourite for photographs and contrast.
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Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
SaladSashimiTempuraWhole Leaf Garnish
Traits
AromaticBicolorIntermediate FlavourPlatingSpecialtyTwo Tone LeafVisual
History
Bicolor perilla selections entered ornamental and culinary seed lists.
Chefs adopted bicolor shiso for two-tone leaf garnish.
Specialty farms grew bicolor for high-end Japanese and fusion kitchens.
Bicolor shiso remained a premium mixed-colour leaf on menus.