Minty Fresh: Exploring the Subtle Herb in Japanese Cuisine

A Hidden Garden: The Role of Herbs in Japanese Flavors Japanese cuisine is renowned for its delicate flavors, meticulous presentation, and emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. While many associate Japanese cooking with the savory depths of umami, the subtle sweetness of mirin, and the salty tang of soy sauce, a lesser-known but equally important element…

Ao Jiso: The Refreshing Minty Herb Elevating Japanese Cuisine

Introduction Japanese cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its refined flavors, meticulous presentation, and harmonious balance. While umami often takes center stage, the subtle art of using fresh, aromatic herbs is equally crucial. One such herb, Ao Jiso (青紫蘇), also known as Green Shiso, a member of the mint family, adds a refreshing, minty, and slightly…