Perilla Seeds (Bhangjeera)

Often confused with Hemp, Perilla (Perilla frutescens) is another aromatic seed used widely in the Northeast and Himalayan regions. In Uttarakhand, it is also referred to as Bhangjeera in some dialects due to the visual similarity. The seeds are grey/brown and have a distinct minty-nutty flavor. The oil extracted from Perilla is one of the richest sources of Omega-3 found in nature. It is used to flavor chutneys and curries. The plant itself is often grown around fields to repel insects naturally.