The main difference between perilla and sesame leaves is that perilla leaves are used in cuisine, especially in Asian cuisines like Korean and Japanese, whereas leaves of the sesame plant are not used much in cuisine.
Most people use the two words perilla leaves, and sesame leaves interchangeably. However, it’s important to know that perilla leaves are different from the leaves of the sesame plant. When a recipe calls for sesame leaves, it’s usually referring to perilla leaves.
Key Areas Covered
1. What are Perilla Leaves
– Definition, Features, Uses
2. What are Sesame Leaves
– Definition, Features
3. Relationship Between Perilla and Sesame Leaves
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Perilla and Sesame Leaves
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Perilla Leaves, Sesame Leaves
What are Perilla Leaves
Perilla is a plant species in the mint family Lamiaceae. It is an edible leaf with an aromatic smell (strong mint smell). Perilla is a versatile ingredient in Korean cuisine and is known as Kkaennip in the Korean language. Perilla leaves are also known as sesame leaves. But the sesame plant ( the plant that produces sesame seeds) is a totally different plant. This confusion comes from the direct translation of the word from Korean: Kkae 깨 means “sesame” and 잎 means “leaves.” Hence, some people call perilla leaves sesame leaves. Another variety of this plant, known as “shiso,” grows widely in Japan. But they are smaller and have a more mint taste than Korean perilla leaves. But, perilla leaves typically have a broad oval shape with pointy ends.
Moreover, perilla leaves contain vitamins A, C, and riboflavin. In cuisine, we can use these leaves as a herb. Also, some use it as cabbage and make wrappings out of them. We can also eat perilla leaves just like any other green vegetable. In addition to these, we can stir fry them with vegetables and garlic, deep fry them in a batter of eggs and flour, pickle, or even marinate them. Besides, in Chinese (Manchu) cuisine, perilla leaves are used to make steamed buns, known as efen.
What are Sesame Leaves
The leaves of the sesame plants are different from perilla leaves. Leaves of sesame plants are not much used in cuisine. Generally, when recipes call for sesame leaves in cuisine, they are referring to perilla leaves.
Green sesame leaves grow opposite on a central stem. They are about 2 – 6 inches long with an entire margin. Also, these leaves are broad lanceolate. Sesame leaves have a medicinal value. Since leaves of the mature sesame plants contain mucilage, we can use them as laxatives and as a treatment for dysentery and cholera.
Relationship Between Perilla and Sesame Leaves
Most people use the two words perilla leaves and sesame leaves interchangeably. When a recipe calls for sesame leaves, it’s usually referring to perilla leaves. This confusion comes from the direct translation of the word from Korean.
Difference Between Perilla and Sesame Leaves
Definition
Perilla leaves are leaves of a plant species in the mint family Lamiaceae, while sesame leaves are the leaves of the sesame plant, which belongs to the genus Sesamum.
In Cuisine
Perilla leaves are used in cuisine, especially in Asian cuisines like Korean and Japanese, whereas leaves of the sesame plant are not used much in cuisine.
Conclusion
Most people use the two words perilla leaves and sesame leaves interchangeably. The main difference between perilla and sesame leaves is that perilla leaves are used in cuisine, especially in Asian cuisines like Korean and Japanese, whereas leaves of the sesame plant are not used much in cuisine. Generally, when recipes call for sesame leaves in cuisine, they are referring to perilla leaves.
Reference:
1. “Perilla Frutescens.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation.
2. Chang, Victoria. “How to Eat Perilla – 10 Ways to Enjoy Them in Korean Cooking!” Kimchimari.
3. “Sesame.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Korean perilla leaves” (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “The plant of sesame” By Aziz Kingrani – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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