Maybe you don't know it, but the Perilla it is also called "plant of youth” for its antioxidant properties and this is why it is used in many different ways: one of these is as a condiment oil; the flavor is very similar to sesame oil.
The seeds can be eaten and it is also used as a side dish for meat dishes or eaten in salads.
The citizens of Land of the Calm Morning they have many meanings and symbols related to cooking, couple life and social life. One of these symbols concerns the Perilla leaves, which represent a true symbol of love. When couples eat it, they perform an apparently normal gesture, but which hides a very important meaning. Come and read what happens…
Since Perilla leaves, when served cooked, are stuck to each other, it is practically impossible to separate them from each other on your own with your chopsticks. Then the couple takes turns helping each other to hold a part of the leaf still so that they can easily detach it from the others.
This gesture has two meanings: the first makes it clear that you cannot do much alone and you need the help of your loved one to be able to share everyday life and help each other. The second meaning is connected to the Korean way of being; it is known that they are very reluctant to demonstrate personal and emotional feelings in public places, so helping each other to untangle the perilla leaves takes on a romantic and very emotionally important value. Consequently, when you ask for help from your partner publicly, for example at a restaurant, you want to demonstrate and let all the other patrons know that that couple is officially together.
Paola Pelissa
Cover photo and gallery credit: Y. Kim