noun
shiso flower spikes; inflorescence of shiso
Refers specifically to the flowering stalks of the shiso plant, often used as a garnish for sashimi and other dishes. Not the leaves.
See also: 紫蘇
刺身のつまに穂紫蘇が添えてある。
Shiso flower spikes are served as a garnish with the sashimi.
穂紫蘇は天ぷらにしても美味しい。
Shiso flower spikes are also delicious as tempura.
紫蘇 refers to the shiso plant or its leaves in general, while 穂紫蘇 specifically means the flowering spikes.
Compound of 穂 (ho, 'ear' or 'spike' of a plant) and 紫蘇 (shiso, the perilla herb). The reading ほじそ is a straightforward combination.