青(あお)じそ

あおじそ
noun
green shiso; green perilla leaf
foodnature
1. green shiso; green perilla leaf
The green variety of the shiso (perilla) plant, widely used as a garnish and flavoring in Japanese cuisine. Has a distinctive fresh, slightly minty aroma.
刺身(さしみ)に青(あお)じそを添(そ)えた。
I garnished the sashimi with green shiso.
青(あお)じそドレッシングが人気(にんき)だ。
Green shiso dressing is popular.
天(てん)ぷらの衣(ころも)に青(あお)じそを巻(ま)いて揚(あ)げると、香(かお)りが良(よ)くて食欲(しょくよく)をそそる。
If you wrap green shiso in tempura batter and fry it, the aroma is wonderful and whets the appetite.

Also called 大葉(おおば) in the Kansai region and in supermarkets. The green variety is used as a garnish and flavoring, while the red variety (赤(あか)じそ) is used mainly for 梅干(うめぼ)し (pickled plums) and juices.

Common uses in cooking

SIMILAR/RELATED terms

  • 大葉(おおば): green shiso — the commercial/culinary name, same plant
  • 赤(あか)じそ: red shiso — used for pickling and coloring
  • 紫蘇(しそ): shiso — the general name for the perilla plant

Related Words

Compare: 大葉(おおば) (green shiso)
general
Added 2026.3.31 2:19 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
20500/20831_aojiso