egoma; wild sesame; oilseed perilla
An annual herb in the mint family, cultivated for its seeds and oil. Often contrasted with 紫蘇 (shiso), which is a different variety of the same species.
See also: シソ
Egoma leaves are used to wrap grilled meat.
Egoma oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Katakana spelling is standard for this plant name.
Hiragana spelling is also common.
Kanji spelling is rare; the plant is almost always written in kana.
The Japanese name えごま is of uncertain origin. The kanji 荏胡麻 are ateji (phonetic equivalents) and not commonly used.