季節の手玉vol.2【梅雨支度：赤しそビネガー】

Seasonal Teddy Bear Vol.2 [Preparing for the Rainy Season: Red Shiso Vinegar]

The rainy season will soon be in full swing.

　

We have gone from the cold of winter to the warmth of spring, and with each rainfall we are steadily becoming more aware of the heat of summer. Just as we are at the turning point of the season where we feel seasonal illnesses known as "May Sickness" at various points in our lives, the humid and energy-draining rainy season is upon us again this year!

We would like to introduce you to Red Shiso Vinegar, which you should try making at least once during this seasonal change.

Red shiso vinegar is easy to make even in your busy schedule, and when you drink it with juice, it has a refreshing sour taste and is very delicious. It also looks cool, so pour it into a glass and you'll instantly be in summer mode.

It is said that seasonal ingredients have nutritional value that suits the body at that time of year, but what exactly is the effect of red shiso?

Why not use the time you spend getting yourself in order to do some "seasonal handicrafts"?

　

　
　


Great effect for summer

 
Red shiso leaves are sold in supermarkets in early summer, from May to June. In traditional Chinese medicine, they are used as "soyo" and are said to have various medicinal properties, such as sweating, antipyretic, regulating gastrointestinal function, antioxidant properties, and inhibiting the production of melanin. They are also indispensable at the dinner table for coloring pickled plums and pickled ginger, and are a type of shiso along with shiso leaves. They are not eaten raw because they have a stronger bitterness than shiso leaves. They are often made into the juice and furikake that we will introduce this time.
As each season changes, why not write down the blessings of the season while being conscious of how you are conditioning your body?
　
　
　
(Time required: about 15 minutes)
 
Red shiso: 300g
Water: 1 liter

Sugar: 500g to 1kg
(You can use any type of sugar you like, such as white sugar, granulated sugar, or cane sugar.)
Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you are storing it for a long time, using less sugar will make it more likely to develop mold, so unless you are not planning to drink it right away, we recommend using 500g or more.) This time, we used 600g of cane sugar.
Apple cider vinegar: 200g (150g or more, depending on your preference)
Preparing Red Shiso

In supermarkets, they are often sold with the stem attached, but you should pick off only the leaves. They often still have dirt and grime on them, so place them in a large bowl or pot and rinse them thoroughly in water.
Meanwhile , bring 1 litre of water to a boil in a pot.

Add all the washed shiso leaves to boiling water.
If it does not fit all at once, add it in several times .　
　
Simmer for about five minutes and then remove the shiso leaves.
Then add 500g of cane sugar and mix until dissolved.
　
Once cooled slightly, add the apple cider vinegar.
　
The moment you add it, the dark broth will instantly turn a vibrant red color.
At this point, taste it and add more sweetness or sourness if it's not enough.
　　
　
 
Keep sealed
To store, place in a sterilised jar, seal tightly and store in the fridge.
The recommended storage period is about 6 months.
The finished shiso syrup can be chilled in the refrigerator and mixed with water or soda to make a delicious juice. It can also be used to make jelly.
　
This time, I mixed it with carbonated water.
Perhaps I didn't boil it long enough, but the ratio of red shiso vinegar to carbonated water was about 1:1, which was just right. If you use red shiso that is more concentrated, the concentrate itself will be darker in color, so the ratio will change.
It looks so refreshing and is sure to become a treat this summer.
　


Enjoying the seasons enriches our lives.

Seasonal customs and human activities that change every year.
Learn the wisdom of enjoying the seasons in the gaps of your busy days.

Even if you are sensitive to the cold, you will look forward to the cold weather. Even on a sweltering summer day, sweat it out with a refreshing smile. The chilly spring rains nurture new shoots, and the autumn moonlit nights as you cherish the bountiful harvest are a great way to take a break. Time to get yourself in shape.


All people live next to nature.
The little excitements in life illuminate and enrich our lives.

Let's write about the seasons together.
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