What is shiso used for in cooking?
Shiso is used in Japanese cuisine as a wrapper for sushi and sashimi, in cocktails as a herbal garnish, and in fine-dining plating where its aromatic complexity elevates presentation.
Shiso from ChefPax has a complex herbal flavor with anise, basil, and mint undertones — a signature ingredient in Japanese cuisine used for sushi, sashimi, and fine-dining garnishes.
What does shiso taste like?
Shiso from ChefPax has a complex herbal flavor with anise, basil, and mint undertones — a signature ingredient in Japanese cuisine used for sushi, sashimi, and fine-dining garnishes.
Why do chefs use shiso microgreens?
Chefs prize shiso for its unique flavor profile — no other microgreen combines anise, mint, and basil in the same way — and for the visual drama of its deep burgundy-and-green leaves on a composed plate.
Shiso (Perilla Korean) — 5×5
5x5 tray
Live tray
Austin metro delivery
In stock
Available this week
Best harvested to order
Mint-basil-cinnamon blend, serrated aromatic leaves. 5×5 live tray - 4-6 harvests. Sushi, cocktails, Asian cuisine. 14-18 days.
One-time: $15.00
Weekly subscription: $13.50/week
10% off
Typical grow cycle: 18 days
Delivery: Local delivery across the Austin metro area. Based in Manor, TX.
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Popular with Austin chefs for: Japanese cuisine, sushi service, tonkotsu, and aromatic finishing. Chef Supply Hub →
ChefPax is a local Austin microgreens farm in Manor, Texas, delivering fresh-cut microgreens, live trays, specialty crops, and sprout-style crops to chefs and home cooks across the Austin metro area.
Why choose these microgreens
- Harvested fresh — grown to order in Manor, TX
- Live tray shelf life of 2–3 weeks vs. 5–10 days for pre-cut
- Grown indoors year-round in a controlled environment
- Used by Austin chefs and home cooks who want restaurant-quality ingredients
How to use shiso (perilla korean) — 5×5
Shiso (Perilla Korean) — 5×5 are commonly used in salads, sandwiches, grain bowls, and plated dishes. Best added just before serving.
How fresh are these microgreens?
ChefPax microgreens are grown in Manor, TX and delivered within 24–48 hours of harvest. Live trays continue growing, extending shelf life beyond pre-cut greens.
How they compare
Compared to other microgreens, shiso (perilla korean) — 5×5 offer a distinct flavor and texture profile.
Why chefs use shiso (perilla korean) — 5×5
Chefs use shiso (perilla korean) — 5×5 to enhance plating, add texture, and introduce concentrated flavor.
Wholesale buyer mode
HomeChef
- Chef pricing context: compare tray size, yield, and service use before choosing.
- Case use: garnish programs, tasting menus, raw bar, brunch, sandwich line, or weekly standing orders.
- Shelf life: live trays are cut to order; sprout-style crops require refrigerated, drained storage.
- Ordering rhythm: preorder specialty crops and align delivery with service days.
Browse by Flavor
Use the flavor wheel as a chef-facing shortcut from taste to products, recipes, and pairings.
Anise / licorice
Flavor pathSweet aromatic herbs for seafood, cocktails, eggs, and cream sauces.
Products
Pairings
seafood
gin
eggs
cream
citrus
Nutrition Authority
Shiso microgreens carry the same complex aromatic profile as mature shiso — anise, umami, and mild bitterness — and are used in Japanese and East Asian culinary traditions as a direct garnish substitute. Evidence on shiso specifically is limited; claims below reflect general microgreen research.
What the evidence supports
• Shiso and perilla microgreens contain volatile aromatic compounds responsible for their distinctive anise-like flavor.
moderate evidence• Nutrient and phytochemical content in shiso microgreens varies by variety and growing conditions.
strong evidence
References
1. Assessment of Vitamin and Carotenoid Concentrations of Emerging Food Products: Edible Microgreens — Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2012
2. Microgreens: Production, Shelf Life, and Bioactive Components — Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2017
Recipes using Shiso (Perilla Korean) — 5×5
ChefPax Recipes
Shiso Microgreens Cucumber Salad (10-Minute Japanese Side Dish)
ChefPax recipe
Shiso
Shiso Microgreens Cucumber Salad (10-Minute Japanese Side Dish)View Recipe
10 min
Thinly sliced cucumber and shiso microgreens dressed in rice vinegar and sesame — a refreshing Japanese side that highlights shiso's anise-mint flavor.
side dish
japanese
vegan
ChefPax Recipes
Shiso Microgreens Salmon Rice Bowl (20-Minute Japanese-Inspired Dinner)
ChefPax recipe
Shiso
Shiso Microgreens Salmon Rice Bowl (20-Minute Japanese-Inspired Dinner)View Recipe
20 min
Teriyaki salmon over steamed rice with pickled ginger, edamame, and a crown of shiso microgreens for fragrant, anise-tinged freshness.
dinner
japanese
seafood
ChefPax Recipes
Shiso Microgreens Onigiri (20-Minute Japanese Rice Balls)
ChefPax recipe
Shiso
Shiso Microgreens Onigiri (20-Minute Japanese Rice Balls)View Recipe
20 min
Sushi rice balls stuffed with umeboshi and wrapped in nori, served on a bed of shiso microgreens that double as an edible garnish.
snack
japanese
lunch
Chef Sample Box Builder
Pick a plating goal and ChefPax will shape a tasting set around flavor, texture, and service use.
I'm plating seafood
Aromatic, citrus-friendly herbs for crudo, oysters, salmon, white fish, and raw bar plates.
Bronze Fennel
anise aroma and feathery height5x5
Curled Chervil
soft French-herb lift5x5
Pea Shoots
sweet height and clean stems10x20
Shiso
Japanese aromatic contrast5x5
oysters
salmon
halibut
citrus
cucumber
Best For Collections
Browse ChefPax by the way chefs actually choose garnish: dish, service context, and flavor job.
Best microgreens for seafood
The best microgreens for seafood are bronze fennel, curled chervil, pea shoots, and shiso because they add aroma, height, and freshness without overwhelming delicate fish.
Best microgreens for steak
The best microgreens for steak are Chinese Mahogany, radish, wasabi mustard, and nasturtium because they cut richness with savory depth, pepper, or mustard-like heat.
Best garnish crops for cocktails
The best garnish crops for cocktails are bronze fennel, lemon basil, nasturtium, and shiso because they bring aroma and visual precision to the rim or glass.
Best mild microgreens for sandwiches
The best mild sandwich greens are alfalfa sprouts, broccoli microgreens, sunflower, and pea shoots because they add texture without dominating the filling.
Best specialty crops for chefs
The best ChefPax specialty crops for chefs are Chinese Mahogany, bronze fennel, curled chervil, shiso, nasturtium, and red amaranth.
Best herbs for French plating
The best microgreen herbs for French plating are curled chervil, bronze fennel, parsley, and sorrel because they bring restrained aroma and clean finishing flavor.
Best crops for spicy dishes
The best crops for spicy dishes are Rambo radish, wasabi mustard, nasturtium, and cilantro because they add heat, brightness, or fresh herbal contrast.