Pyewacket's Traditional Shiso Rhubarb Shrub - Limited Edition

This seasonal shrub is fresh purple perilla leaves and rhubarb. 

First up - what is shiso?

Perilla is a perennial herb from Eastern Asia thats grows easily and abundantly around us here in Northern New South Wales. There are many different names for it, but in Japan it is known as shiso.

Used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years, it's rich in calcium, iron, omegas, antioxidants and contains up to 10X the amount of carotenes as pumpkin. It’s also anti inflammatory, improving immune function and supporting the respiratory system specifically, traditionally used in congestive ailments and asthma.

As a member of the mint family, it is a digestive support and stimulant. It’s found traditionally as a condiment to protein based meals, and relieves indigestion.

And the taste...

It's hard to explain but shiso tastes a bit like cinnamon, clove, tarragon and mint yet nothing like that at all. Blended with tart and tangy rhubarb this shrub is bright, fresh, aromatic, fruity and delightfully unusual. It's also the softest peachy pink colour.

We make seasonal shrubs simply because we love local, seasonal fruit. Traditionally shrubs were used as a way of preserving fruit at the height of the harvest. Seasonal shrubs are a way for us to keep this tradition alive.

Slow-fermented and cold pressed by hand, they are unpasteurised and contain the vinegar mother.