Shiso, Chinese Basil, Perilla Mint

(Lycopersicon esculentum )

A popular crimson red medium tomato with great taste that tolerates low night temperatures, so it is ideal for cooler area. A Russian heirloom that is an early producer. A tough and vigorous producer that needs staking.

An attractive cultivar medium sized, scarlet red fruit that is full of flavour. Tolerant of cool night temperatures and ideal for cool climate gardens

Flavours/Food Partners

A rich flavored tomato that partners well with Latin herbs like garlic, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Use with any good salad vegetable, Nasturtium flowers and mixed fresh herbs to make an attractive and tasty salad.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Like all tomatoes, Red Russian is high in the cancer fighting agent, Lycopene and also Vitamin C. For a classic rich sauce cook and mix with garlic, marjoram, sweet basil, diced shallots, and fresh pizza thyme. Finely dice, mix finely chopped shallots, fresh pesto basil and extra virgin olive oil and place on lightly toasted Turkish bread then top with an anchovie for a special homemade bruschetta.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. Requires a 1.1 to 1.4 m stake.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Like all tomatoes it must receive a deep soaking when almost dry and should not receive overhead watering. Feed regularly with Seasol and Powerfeed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Remove side shoots and develop two or three main leaders. Harvest when fruit is full color

Herb Attributes

Position Full Sun
Height 1.2m
Width 50cm
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Description

(Perilla frutescens crispa)

A half hardy perennial with green serrated foliage that has its own unique aroma.

Flavours/Food Partners

Shiso partners with all types of food and flavours. It is particularly popular in Japanese and Vietnamese cooking. For great affect it can be used with Coriander, Ginger, Dill, Basil, most Mints, Wasabi and citrus. Most quick cooking vegetables like sprouts, snow peas, broccoli, pak choi, bok choi accentuate its flavor and it works wonders with fresh shashimi.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Has a spicy (Basil x Coriander x Anise x Cinnamon x grass) flavour that gives layers of fragrance to lightly cooked Asian dishes. To best enjoy the taste it should be used raw or added just after removing from the heat. The most common use is the leaf but seeds and flower buds have their own particular flavours. It is also popular in Chinese medicine for colds, flu and the like.

Landscaping/Planting

Prefers well drained sunny position in the garden or in large pots. Will grow in most soil types and needs regular feeding and watering during summer. Frost sensitive and best treated as an annual in colder areas. Will self seed if allowed to flower.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Requires regular applications of Seasol and Powerfeed. Enjoys reasonably moist conditions.

Herb Attributes

Position FULL SUN, FROST SENSITIVE
Height 50CM
Width 50CM

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