Bhutanese Organic Perilla (Zimtsi) Oil (500ml)

Pure cold-pressed Zimtsi oil, exceptionally high in Omega-3 (ALA).

Imagine an oil so pure, so nutrient-dense, that it has been treasured for centuries in Bhutanese traditional medicine and kitchens alike. This is Zimtsi (also spelled Zhimtsi), a cold-pressed virgin oil from the seeds of Perilla frutescens, a plant revered across Asia for its remarkable healing properties.

Our Zimtsi Oil is crafted from high-quality seeds grown by dedicated farmers in Menbi, Huntse, Bhutan, where pristine alpine conditions produce some of the world’s finest perilla. Through gentle cold-pressing (no heat, no chemicals), we preserve every drop of nutritional integrity, resulting in a delicate, nutty oil with subtle minty undertones and a clean, elegant finish.

Why is Perilla oil so special?

Perilla oil contains one of the highest concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) of any plant-based oil with up to 60%, making it a powerhouse of heart-healthy, brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids. But it’s not just what’s inside that matters. Every bottle supports local Bhutanese farmers and their communities, helping sustain traditional agricultural practices in one of the world’s most beautiful and ecologically precious regions.

How to enjoy Zimtsi Oil in your kitchen:

The Traditional Bhutanese Way: Drizzle over Ezay (chili condiments) or use as a finishing oil for Ema Datshi and red rice dishes. It’s also traditionally consumed as a digestive aid, use a spoonful on an empty stomach.
The Bangkok Fusion: Use as a salad dressing base with lime juice and honey for a nutty, aromatic vinaigrette. Drizzle over som tam, larb, or grilled meats just before serving. Add a splash to tom yum soup for an extra layer of nutty complexity.
Modern & Versatile: Perfect for low-heat cooking, drizzling over roasted vegetables, mixing into hummus or yogurt dips, or simply dipping fresh Bhutanese bread. It also makes an excellent base for marinades and stir-fry sauces (use low to medium heat to preserve its delicate nutrients).
Beyond the Kitchen: Zimtsi Oil is also treasured in Bhutan as a natural skincare oil, apply a few drops to nourish dry skin, soothe irritation, or as a hair treatment.

Storage: Keep in a cool, dark place. Enjoy within 8 months of opening. Refrigeration is fine and natural cloudiness is perfectly normal.

Net Weight: 500ml

History of Bhutanese Organic Perilla (Zimtsi) Oil (500ml)

Zimtsi (also spelled Zhimtsi) is the Bhutanese name for the seeds of Perilla frutescens, a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) that has been cultivated across East Asia for over 2,000 years. In Bhutan, the plant has been naturalized for centuries, thriving in the country’s diverse microclimates from subtropical valleys to temperate highlands.

Perilla holds a significant place in Bhutanese traditional medicine (Sowa Rigpa), where both the leaves and seeds are used to treat respiratory ailments, digestive discomforts, and as a general tonic. The cold-pressed oil, known locally as Zimtsi Oil, has long been valued not only as a culinary ingredient but also as a natural remedy for coughs, colds, and skin conditions.

Culinarily, Zimtsi Oil is a traditional ingredient in Bhutanese cooking, particularly in the preparation of Ezay (chili condiments), where it adds a nutty depth and helps bind the spices. It is also drizzled over cooked dishes as a finishing oil, much like extra virgin olive oil is used in Mediterranean cuisine.

The seeds themselves are grown by smallholder farmers, often in the eastern and central districts of Bhutan, including Menbi and Huntse, where the high-altitude, clean environment produces seeds of exceptional quality. By supporting the cultivation of perilla, these farmers help preserve an ancient agricultural tradition while providing a sustainable, non-timber forest product that contributes to rural livelihoods.

In recent years, perilla has gained recognition under Bhutan’s One Gewog One Product (OGOP) initiative, which promotes unique local products and supports rural economic development. This cold-pressed Zimtsi Oil is a proud product of that tradition and a taste of Bhutan’s rich natural heritage in every bottle.

Nutritional Value of Bhutanese Organic Perilla (Zimtsi) Oil (500ml)

Nutrient

Range

Calories

884

Protein

Fat

100g

Carbohydrates

78g

Fiber

Sodium

Dietary Pros:

100% Plant-Based / Vegan
Naturally Gluten-Free
Cold-Pressed, Unrefined, Unfiltered
No Artificial Additives or Preservatives
Low in Saturated Fat
Non-GMO

Nutritional Profile:
Zimtsi Oil is one of the richest plant-based sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) , an essential omega-3 fatty acid, comprising up to 60% of its total fatty acid content. It also contains beneficial omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, as well as polyphenols and rosmarinic acid, which are potent antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress.

Health & Lifestyle Benefits:

❤️ Cardiovascular Health: The high concentration of ALA omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to help lower triglyceride levels, reduce cholesterol, improve lipid profiles, and support overall heart function—benefits similar to those of fish oil.
🧠 Cognitive Function: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain health, supporting memory, focus, and neurological function. Studies suggest perilla oil may help protect against age-related cognitive decline.
🛡️ Anti-Inflammatory Response: The ALA in perilla oil has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in scientific studies, which may help alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disorders.
✨ Skin & Hair Health: Rich in omega-3s and antioxidants, Zimtsi Oil helps protect skin from damage, reduce acne, and improve hair growth. It is also used in natural skincare for its anti-collagenase and anti-melanogenesis properties, helping to maintain skin elasticity and reduce pigmentation.
🌿 Digestive Aid: Traditionally, perilla oil has been used to relieve abdominal pain, constipation, and indigestion. A spoonful on an empty stomach is a common Bhutanese home remedy.
💪 Supports Rural Farmers: By purchasing this oil, you directly support smallholder farmers in Menbi, Huntse, Bhutan, helping sustain their livelihoods and promote continued growth of sustainable farming practices in the Kingdom.

Storage Tip: Store in a cool, dark place and keep the bottle tightly closed. For the freshest flavor, enjoy within 8 months of opening. You can refrigerate it and any natural cloudiness is perfectly normal. Always use clean utensils to keep every drop pure.

How to make Bhutanese Organic Perilla (Zimtsi) Oil (500ml)?

Here are three delicious ways to incorporate Zimtsi Oil into your cooking:

Zimtsi Ezay (Traditional Perilla Chili Condiment): In a mortar and pestle, combine 2-3 dried red chilies (or fresh bird’s eye chilies), 1 clove of garlic, a small piece of ginger, and a pinch of salt. Grind into a coarse paste. Slowly drizzle in Zimtsi Oil while continuing to grind until you achieve a thick, spreadable consistency. Add a squeeze of lime juice. Serve alongside red rice, grilled meats, or steamed vegetables. This is a classic Bhutanese table condiment.
Zimtsi & Honey Glazed Salmon (Bhutanese-Fusion): In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of Zimtsi Oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and a pinch of chili flakes. Brush over salmon fillets. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes, or pan-sear skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. The nutty, slightly minty oil pairs beautifully with the rich, fatty fish.
Zimtsi Dressing for Bhutanese Red Rice Salad: Cook Bhutanese red rice according to package instructions, then cool. In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons Zimtsi Oil, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 clove minced garlic, and salt to taste. Toss with the cooled rice, chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs (coriander, mint), and crumbled fermented yak cheese (Zoethey) if desired. This makes a vibrant, nutritious salad perfect for lunch or a light dinner.