Can someone identify this herb?
I found this herb in an Asian supermarket. The label didn't actually say what it was, and the clerks at the store didn't speak English well enough to ask them.
My first thought was mint, but I would expect mint leaves to be more wrinkly than that.
My second thought was holy basil, which would be a pleasant surprise as that's generally very hard to find. I looked at pictures of holy basil online, and it looks pretty close, although these leaves look a bit more pointy than in those pictures.
Can someone identify the herb in the picture?
Best Answer
I don't think it's shiso, as that tends to have a more jagged edge. I suspect it's the botanically related Korean kkaennip (aka 'sesame leaf', which is also of the family Perilla):
- http://www.seriouseats.com/2011/07/seriously-asian-perilla-leaves.html
- http://www.maangchi.com/ingredient/perilla-leaves
(but I can't discount bitter leaf, as that's not something I'm familiar with)
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How can you identify a herb?
Examine the stems of the plant. Herb plants are identified by their non-woody stems. Herbs will not have a bark covering like trees, shrubs or many vines have. Observe the insects in the surrounding area.Which four senses do you use when trying to identify a herb?
Use your senses! Look for color, texture, taste, and smell. Dried herbs should look, taste, smell almost like they do when they are fresh. If the dried herbs have lost their color and scent, they have also lost their flavor and potency.Can you name two types of herbs?
Fresh herbs like mint, basil, and tarragon have long been prized throughout the world for their curative properties (mint for indigestion, basil for kidney problems, and tarragon for snake bites).What herb represents?
The Meaning of Herbs- Angelica: inspiration Lilac: joy of youth.
- Bay laurel: success Mint: virtue.
- Calendula: health Oregano: joy.
- Chamomile: comfort Parsley: gratitude.
- Echinacea: capability, health Rose: love, desire.
- Fennel: worthy of praise Rosemary: remembrance.
- Hops: mirth Sage: wisdom.
- Hyssop: cleansing Thyme: courage.
How To Identify Wild Edibles \u0026 Medicinal Plants - Toxic Look A Likes (HD)
More answers regarding can someone identify this herb?
Answer 2
I believe that is a picture of shiso.
Answer 3
I think this is Bitter Leaf, renowned for its nutritional properties.
See http://www.prosisupermarket.com/admin/Product/bitter-leaf-10.jpg (I am not related in any way :) )
Hope this helps
Answer 4
It is kinh gi?i, Elsholtzia ciliata. Different from Korean perilla.
Korean perilla (sesame leaf) is not sold in bulk like that because you need big leaves. They sell them stacked and they are expensive. If you grow Korean perilla by yourself and don't select out the big leaves, it looks like the picture, but why sell it like that?
The other perilla-like leaf used in Vietnamese cuisine is ti?a tô, which is purple. To the left is ngo gai, so the OP is in the Vietnamese section, and kinh gi?i is easy to propagate and reasonably shelf stable, so it's one of the most common herbs you see. That's why it is cheap, and it's sold all over.
Rule out Japanese shiso because Japanese herbs usually aren't sold in "Asian" supermarkets.
Answer 5
For me it looks like nettles. But while I have eaten those in the past I have yet to see a store selling them, so I might be mistaken.
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