What is it?

Perilla, known in Vietnamese as Tia To and in Japanese as Shiso, is an aromatic herb from the mint family that is an indispensable part of many Asian cuisines . This 100g pack from Longdan contains fresh, chilled Perilla leaves, which are distinctive for being green on top and a vibrant purplish colour on the bottom . These broad, finely haired leaves with slightly serrated edges have a unique, earthy, and bold flavour profile with notes of anise, basil, and mint . The product is sourced and packed to deliver a short, fresh expected life of just 2 days, highlighting its high quality as a fresh herb .

When to use it?

Tia To is a culinary chameleon, used in a multitude of ways across different cuisines. In Vietnam, it is a common addition to the herb platter served with pho (beef noodle soup), allowing diners to add its distinctive flavour to the broth . It is also used in fresh summer rolls (gỏi cuốn), tossed into salads for a peppery kick, and added to soups, fried dishes, and stews . In Japan, Shiso (often the green variety) is used as a garnish for sushi and sashimi, or to wrap and flavour dishes . The purple variety, like this one, is also used to colour pickled products like umeboshi (pickled plums) .

How to use it?

Tia To is incredibly easy to use and requires no cooking for most applications. To use, simply wash the leaves gently and pat them dry. You can use them whole as a wrap, tear them into pieces to release their fragrance, or finely chop them to incorporate into salads, dipping sauces, and dressing. For soups like pho, place the leaves directly into the hot broth just before eating. It is also traditionally served raw alongside other herbs and vegetables, to be used as a palate cleanser or flavour enhancer with grilled meats . Remember that this is a fresh, chilled product that should be stored at 5-8°C and used within 2 days of delivery to enjoy its peak flavour .

Why is this better?

This Perilla is superior because it is a fresh, high-quality, imported herb, delivering an authentic taste that you simply cannot get from dried alternatives. Its unique two-toned colour is a sign of its freshness and authenticity . The complex flavour profile—earthy, bold, with mint and anise notes—adds an authentic, nuanced depth to dishes that few other herbs can replicate. As a product sourced for the UK market, it bridges the gap between a restaurant-quality dining experience and home cooking, allowing you to elevate your dishes with genuine Vietnamese and Asian flavours.

Comparison with in-line products

Longdan offers a range of fresh herbs, including Rice Paddy Herb (Ngo Om) and Hot Mint (Rau Ram). While all are essential to Vietnamese cuisine, Perilla (Tia To) is distinguished by its purple-red underside and its more robust, anise-like flavour compared to the milder, lime-citrus notes of Ngo Om . Compared to the sharp, spicy kick of Hot Mint, Perilla offers a warmer, more rounded flavour. It also holds its shape well and can be used as a wrap, making it more versatile in some applications, like wrapping grilled meats or sushi .