Seasonal handwork during Japan's rainy season- Japanese Home Cooking and Sweets Class in Tokyo
A representative springtime task involving red shiso during Japan's rainy season is making red shiso juice (or red shiso syrup). This is a classic household activity from the rainy season into early summer, serving as the early-summer version of "ume shigoto" (plum-related tasks).
Shiso juice- Seasonal handwork during Japan's rainy season- Japanese Home Cooking and Sweets Class in Tokyo
Although red shiso is also used to color umeboshi (pickled plums), more people make red shiso juice. It is a piece of Japanese seasonal wisdom that refreshes and moisturizes the throat during the humid rainy season.
Basic Method
Pick the red shiso leaves, wash them well, and drain off excess water.
Bring water to a boil in a pot, add the red shiso, and simmer for 5–15 minutes.
Remove the red shiso, strain the liquid thoroughly, and gently squeeze the leaves to extract remaining juice.
Return the strained liquid to the pot and dissolve the sugar.
With the heat turned off or on low, add apple vinegar, grain vinegar, or citric acid; this will produce a beautiful red color.
Let it cool, then store it. When serving, dilute with water or carbonated water.
Shiso, Sugar, Apple vinegar
Bring water to a boil in a pot, add the red shiso, and simmer for 5–15 minutes.
Suggested Quantities
Red shiso: 150–250 g
Water: about 1 L
Sugar: about 60–230 g, adjusted to match the desired strength of acidity
Acid: you can use apple vinegar, regular vinegar, citric acid, or lemon juice.
Tips for Delicious Results
Wash the red shiso thoroughly before cooking to avoid off-flavors.
Adding acid at the end gives a vibrant red color, which is a key tip for a pretty finish.
Serving over ice or with carbonated water makes it a refreshing summer drink.
Simple Recipe Example
Red shiso: 200 g
Water: 1 L
Sugar: about 200 g
Apple vinegar: 100–150 ml
Strain the liquid thoroughly
If stored sealed in the refrigerator, it will last 6 months to 1 year, so you can make it all at once during the summer.- Seasonal handwork during Japan's rainy season- Japanese Home Cooking and Sweets Class in Tokyo
The polyphenols and vitamins found in shiso offer health benefits that are perfect for early summer. Recovery from fatigue and prevention of summer fatigue: The citric acid cycle—driven by vinegar and citric acid—combined with the B vitamins in shiso, helps support a tired body. Beauty and health: The red pigment (anthocyanin) in red shiso has powerful antioxidant properties and is believed to offer anti-aging benefits. Relaxation: Shiso’s distinctive, refreshing aroma helps lift your spirits.
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