Arugula (American English) or rocket (Commonwealth English) (Eruca vesicaria; syns. Eruca sativa Mill., E. vesicaria subsp. sativa (Miller) Thell., Brassica eruca L.) is an edible annual plant in the family Brassicaceae used as a leaf vegetable for its fresh, tart, bitter, and peppery flavor.
What are wild rocket leaves?
Wild rocket leaves, also known as arugula, salad rocket, or rucola, is a Mediterranean green vegetable. The vegetable is a part of the Brassicaceae family, which also include broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. The leaves are dark green with an intense peppery aroma and flavor.
What is the scientific name of rocket plant?
Eruca vesicaria. Arugula (American English) /əˈruːɡulə/ or rocket (British English) (Eruca vesicaria; syns. Eruca sativa Mill., E. vesicaria subsp. sativa (Miller) Thell., Brassica eruca L.) is an edible annual plant in the family Brassicaceae used as a leaf vegetable for its fresh, tart, bitter, and peppery flavor.
What is rocket lettuce?
Also referred to as arugula in some places, rocket is a special herb that many people mistake for lettuce, mainly because of their relative similarities. In France, this herb is often called ‘roquette,’ while in Italy people call it either ‘rughetta’ or ‘rucola.’
What is rocket Eruca?
Eruca sativa, an annual garden plant used as a salad green, is most often called "rocket" in Britain, Australia and New Zealand; North Americans generally call it arugula. The cultivated "sativa" species is very closely related to the wild Eruca vesicaria, and is considered by botanists to be either identical to or a subspecies of "vesicaria."
What is rocket called in North America?
ArugulaLanguage Notes. In North America, Rocket is usually called “Arugula.” Many people think that is the Italian name, but it isn't. The Italian word is “rucola” or sometimes “rochetta”.
Is rocket and arugula the same?
Love it or hate it, rocket is popular all over the world. Also known as arugula, roquette and rucola, it's known for its pungent and peppery flavours. It might look like an unassuming leafy vegetable, but the reasons for its taste, health benefits and whether we like it all comes down to genetics.
Is rocket other name for arugula?
arugula, (subspecies Eruca vesicaria sativa), also called roquette, salad rocket, garden rocket, or rugula, annual herb of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), grown for its pungent edible leaves.
What is the green called rocket?
ArugulaArugula, also known as salad or garden rocket,is one of the nutritious green-leafy vegetable of Mediterranean origin.
What is rocket called in Canada?
In the United States, Rockets are known primarily as Smarties. They are called Rockets in Canada so as not to confuse them with the candy-coated chocolate Smarties made by Nestle.
Is dandelion a rocket leaf?
Rocket is like fine dandelion or radish leaves. Rocket originates in northern Europe. In the US it's known as arugula. The flavor is strong, bitter and nutty, with an element of pepperiness that can sometimes be quite strong.
What kind of lettuce is rocket?
arugulaRocket – called arugula in the US and Canada – is a type of lettuce which has a slight peppery flavour which makes it really fresh with a great bite so it pairs really well with meat heavy mains like roasts, and carb heavy dishes like pasta dishes.
What do Irish people call arugula?
Other common names include garden rocket (in Britain, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, and New Zealand), and eruca. It is also called "ruchetta", "rucola", "rucoli", "rugula", "colewort", and "roquette".
Is rocket healthy to eat?
A cereal-sized bowl of rocket leaves counts as one of your 5-a-day (one portion of veg or fruit is 80g raw weight), plus rocket is high in folate, and is a source of calcium and vitamin C.
Is rocket a collard green?
Arugula (Eruca sativa), also known as garden rocket, roquette, or rucola, is an edible plant in the brassica family along with cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and collard greens. Originally from the Mediterranean, the peppery leafy green has long been a staple in Italian and French cuisine.
Is rocket a lettuce?
Arugula leaves, also known as rocket or roquette, are tender and bite-sized with a tangy flavor. Along with other leafy greens, arugula contains high levels of beneficial nitrates and polyphenols.
Is rocket related to dandelion?
Also known as rocket, roquette, and eruca, arugula resembles dandelion greens, with an oak-like shape. It is native to the Mediterranean region, and has long been a staple of Italian and French cuisine.
What is the difference between arugula and wild rocket?
The cotyledons and first set of leaves look more like regular arugula, but the second set of true leaves show that this arugula is marching to its own drummer. Rocket arugula germinates in three days and produces prolifically in a very short time. The leaves are more round and broad than its wild counterpart.
Is rocket healthy to eat?
A cereal-sized bowl of rocket leaves counts as one of your 5-a-day (one portion of veg or fruit is 80g raw weight), plus rocket is high in folate, and is a source of calcium and vitamin C.
What are the benefits of eating rocket?
rocket. Both these leafy greens are rich in chlorophyll, amino acids and vitamins C, E, B and K. They also contain beta-carotenes, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin (for eye health). But rocket also provides glucosinolates, which help to protect against cancer.
What tastes similar to arugula?
11 Delicious Substitutes for ArugulaLooking for substitutes for arugula? ... Salad: Watercress, baby spinach, dandelion greens, mixed greens, baby kale, romaine lettuce.Sandwiches/Wraps: Watercress, baby spinach, dandelion greens, mixed greens, romaine lettuce, escarole, frisée.More items...•
What is a rocket plant?
Eruca sativa Mill., E. vesicaria subsp. sativa (Miller) Thell., Brassica eruca L.) is an edible annual plant in the family Brassicaceae used as a leaf vegetable for its fresh, tart, bitter, and peppery flavor. Other common names include garden rocket (in Britain, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, and New Zealand), and eruca. It is also called "ruchetta", "rucola", "rucoli", "rugula", " colewort ", and "roquette". Eruca sativa, which is widely popular as a salad vegetable, is a species of Eruca native to the Mediterranean region, from Morocco and Portugal in the west to Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and Turkey in the east.
Why is rocket a popular herb?
Grown as an edible and popular herb in Italy since Roman times, it was mentioned by various ancient Roman classical authors as an aphrodisiac, most famously in a poem long ascribed to the famous 1st century Roman poet Virgil, Moretum, which contains the line: " et Venerem revocans eruca morantem " ("and the rocket, which revives drowsy Venus [sexual desire]"), and in the Ars Amatoria of Ovid. Some writers assert that for this reason during the Middle Ages it was forbidden to grow rocket in monasteries. It was listed, however, in a decree by Charlemagne of 802 as one of the pot herbs suitable for growing in gardens. Gillian Riley, author of the Oxford Companion to Italian Food, states that because of its reputation as a sexual stimulant, it was "prudently mixed with lettuce, which was the opposite" (i.e., calming or even soporific). Riley continues that "nowadays rocket is enjoyed innocently in mixed salads, to which it adds a pleasing pungency", though Norman Douglas insisted that “Salad rocket is certainly a stimulant”.
What is Eruca Vesicaria used for?
Eruca vesicaria typically grows on dry, disturbed ground. It is used as a food by the larvae of some moth species , including the garden carpet, and its roots are susceptible to nematode infestation.
What does the name Eruca sativa mean?
Name. The Latin adjective sativa in the plant's binomial name is derived from satum, the supine of the verb sero, meaning "to sow", indicating that the seeds of the plant were sown in gardens. Eruca sativa differs from E. vesicaria in having early deciduous sepals.
Where does Eruca come from?
Eruca sativa, which is widely popular as a salad vegetable, is a species of Eruca native to the Mediterranean region, from Morocco and Portugal in the west to Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and Turkey in the east.
What is a perennial wall rocket?
It is sometimes conflated with Diplotaxis tenuifolia, known as "perennial wall rocket", another plant of the family Brassicaceae that is used in the same manner.
How big are the flowers of the Brassicaceae?
The flowers are 2 to 4 cm ( 3⁄4 to 1. +. 1⁄2 in) in diameter, arranged in a corymb, with the typical Brassicaceae flower structure. The petals are creamy white with purple veins, and the stamens yellow. The fruit is a siliqua (pod) 12 to 25 mm ( 1⁄2 to 1 in) long with an apical beak, containing several seeds (which are edible).
Where is rocket from?
Rocket is native to Southern Europe, where it grows wild. Rocket was popular all throughout Europe including Britain during the Middle Ages. Then, a fashion victim of the changing times during the Victorian era, its popularity waned back to just Southern Europe , until the 1990s when it was rediscovered in the UK and in North America.
What is the Italian word for rocket?
In North America, Rocket is usually called “Arugula.” Many people think that is the Italian name, but it isn’t. The Italian word is “rucola” or sometimes “rochetta”. “Arugula” is an English corruption of the word in some Italian dialect, perhaps from Lombardy where they call it “arigola.”
Why is Hesperis called Vesper?
The Greeks called it Hesperis (“vesper-flower”) because when it flowers, it gives off a scent in the evening but not in the daytime. It is also known as Dames Rocket or Dames Violet.
Can rockets survive winter?
In temperate climates, you can grow it as a biennial plant in gardens. But in northern climates, it won’t survive the winter. You will need to replant some each spring. You harvest it before it flowers. Pinching off any flowers will encourage it to put energy back into the leaves.
Can you use rocket in salad?
Rocket is mostly used as a fresh salad green. It can, though, also be used in cooked dishes. You toss it in at the last minute, just before serving. The flavour gets milder when it is heated through contact with the cooked ingredients in a dish.
Where are wild rocket leaves grown?
Wild rocket leaves are a popular vegetable in Italy, French, and parts of North America. This vegetable is traditionally consumed raw because of its delicate nature, however, the strong taste makes them a good ingredient for pizza toppings or salads.
Why are rocket leaves used in medicine?
Besides being used as a food ingredient, wild rocket leaves have also been exploited for its medicinal uses. The vegetable has a long history of medicinal application because of its ability to prevent multiple diseases, treat many conditions and improve health in general. 1. Helps Manage Weight.
What are the vitamins in rocket leaves?
This is because vitamin A is an essential nutrient to help your eyes to be able to see with minimum lights. In addition, the other two carotenoids in wild rocket leaves, zeaxanthin, and lutein, are also very important for a good vision.
What are the nutrients in wild rocket leaves?
In fact, the vegetable is an excellent source of beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Beta-carotene is a carotenoid that is easy to be converted by your body into vitamin A.
How do wild rocket leaves help the body?
Wild rocket leaves can also effectively detoxify the body. This is because the leaves contain a lot of antioxidants that can significantly improve the value of oxygen absorbance capacity. Antioxidants can help seeking out and eradicating free radicals and maintaining a perfect balance of cells’ enzyme reactions. This will also destroy harmful toxins and dangerous substance in your body. Since the free radicals and toxins are purged from your system, your body will be healthier and you will be protected against diseases. You will also have clearer, more radiant, and youthful skin.
Why are wild rocket leaves good for diabetics?
Besides playing a role as an antioxidant that fights free radicals, it can also reduce your risk of diabetes by increasing your body’s sensitivity to insulin and stabilize your level of blood sugar. This is the reason diabetic and prediabetic patients will be greatly benefited by consuming wild rocket leaves regularly. If you want to maintain a healthy level of blood sugar, you should add this vegetable to your daily diet.
Why are rocket leaves good for blood pressure?
This is because high blood pressure puts excess strain that causes damage to the coronary arteries. The arteries may also become narrower because of the buildup of plaque. This leads to a condition known as atherosclerosis. As the plaque gets thicker and arteries get harder, the flow of blood is disrupted. The heart will not receive enough supply of oxygen and nutrients. The heart muscle that is starved of oxygen will be damaged and this is usually when a heart attack occurs.
About Author
Nmami Life is committed to provide unprecedented excellence and authenticity through its digital medium. Read other articles here
Check Out Our Health & Wellness Plans
At Nmami Life we are committed to bring to you the best of health and fitness services which will bring in new energy to your lifestyle Explore Now
How big are rocket arugula leaves?
Image Credit: elisacicinelli/iStock/Getty Images. Rocket has deeply lobed green leaves that range in length between 3 and 7 inches, and each leaf has between four and 10 lobes. The leaves are best harvested as salad greens when the plant is young and less than a foot tall.
What is a wild rocket?
Wild Rocket. Wild arugula growing in a field. Image Credit: sasimoto/iStock/Getty Images. Wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia), also sometimes called sylvetta or rustic arugula, is a related but different plant that can also be used as a salad green.
What is rocket salad?
A fresh salad with arugula. Image Credit: Lesyy/iStock/Getty Images. Rocket has been a popular salad green in Europe for centuries but has only more recently gained popularity in the United States. It's characterized by a strong peppery or nutty flavor, so it complements sweeter, milder greens in salad mixes.
What is rocket herb?
September 16, 2009. Cooking, Rocket. Also referred to as arugula in some places, rocket is a special herb that many people mistake for lettuce, mainly because of their relative similarities. In France, this herb is often called ‘roquette,’ while in Italy people call it either ‘rughetta’ or ‘rucola.’.
What is the name of the herb that is used to cook with rockets?
Primarily, this herb has three different species, namely Diplotaxis muralis, Diplotaxis tenuifolia, and Eruca sativa. In Mediterranean countries, cooking with rocket is an age-old practice because many people consider it an aphrodisiac.
What meats can you cook with rocket?
Lastly, cooking with rocket is also good for different kinds of meat like beef, pork, and lamb. When mixed with beef, people can cook the special dish called Steak with Rocket.
Is rocket good for cooking?
Cooking with rocket is really a good practice because this herb contains lots of iron and vitamin C. In Italy for instance, people use it in making nutritious pizzas. Furthermore, other individuals use it with dry meat, pasta, or vegetable dishes. Because of its leafy appearance, rocket is widely used in many different salad dishes like Quick ...
Can you use rocket in tagliatelle?
Meanwhile, those who prefer chicken can use rocket in cooking Tagliatelle with Smoked Chicken, Rocket, and Sundried Tomatoes, and Rocket Fuel Chicken Dipping Sauce.
What is the most powerful rocket in the world?
NASA’s Space Launch System, or SLS, will be the most powerful rocket in history.
How much does the SLS rocket lift?
As the SLS is evolved, it will be the most powerful rocket ever built and provide an unprecedented lift capability of 130 metric tons (143 tons) to enable missions even farther into our solar system. Image Credit: NASA.
Overview
Arugula (American English) or rocket (British English) (Eruca vesicaria; syns. Eruca sativa Mill., E. vesicaria subsp. sativa (Miller) Thell., Brassica eruca L.) is an edible annual plant in the family Brassicaceae used as a leaf vegetable for its fresh, tart, bitter, and peppery flavor. Other common names include garden rocket (in Britain, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, and New Zealand), and eruca…
Description
Eruca vesicaria is an annual plant growing to 20 to 100 centimetres (8 to 40 inches) in height. The pinnate leaves are deeply lobed with four to ten small lateral lobes and a large terminal lobe. The flowers are 2 to 4 cm (3⁄4 to 1+1⁄2 in) in diameter, arranged in a corymb, with the typical Brassicaceae flower structure. The petals are creamy white with purple veins, and the stamens yell…
Etymology
The Latin adjective sativa in the plant's binomial name is derived from satum, the supine of the verb sero, meaning "to sow", indicating that the seeds of the plant were sown in gardens. Eruca sativa differs from E. vesicaria in having early deciduous sepals. Some botanists consider it a subspecies of Eruca vesicaria: E. vesicaria subsp. sativa. Still others do not differentiate between the two.
Ecology
Eruca vesicaria typically grows on dry, disturbed ground. It is a source of food for the larvae of some moth species, including the garden carpet, and its roots are susceptible to nematode infestation.
Cultivation and history
A pungent, leafy green vegetable resembling a longer-leaved and open lettuce, Eruca vesicaria is rich in vitamin C and potassium. In addition to the leaves, the flowers, young seed pods and mature seeds are all edible.
Grown as an edible and popular herb in Italy since Roman times, it was mentioned by various ancient Roman classical authors as an aphrodisiac, mos…
Uses
Since Roman times in Italy, raw rocket has been added to salads. It is often added to a pizza at the end of or just after baking. It is also used cooked in Apulia, in southern Italy, to make the pasta dish cavatiéddi, "in which large amounts of coarsely chopped rocket are added to pasta seasoned with a homemade reduced tomato sauce and pecorino", as well as in "many unpretent…
Nutrition
Raw arugula is 92% water, 4% carbohydrates, 2.5% protein, and contains a negligible amount of fat. Although a 100-gram (3+1⁄2-ounce) reference serving provides only 105 kilojoules (25 kilocalories) of food energy, arugula has a high nutritional value, especially when fresh, frozen, steamed, or quickly boiled. It is a rich source (20% or more of the Daily Value, DV) of folate and vitamin K. Arugula is also a good source (10–19% of DV) of vitamin A, vitamin C, and the dietary …
External links
• Jeane Osnos, "The most political vegetables: A whirlwind tour of the edible crucifers", The Botanist in the Kitchen, November 20, 2012. How arugula joined broccoli (and lattes) as supposed markers for big-government liberalism.
• Joel Denker, "The 'Lascivious' Leaf: The Allure of Arugula", Food in the 'Hood (published August 11, 2012) Archived September 25, 2020, at the Wayback Machine, in The Intowner, Serving Washington, D. C. since 1968.
Cooking Tips
- Rocket is mostly used as a fresh salad green. It can, though, also be used in cooked dishes. You toss it in at the last minute, just before serving. The flavour gets milder when it is heated through contact with the cooked ingredients in a dish.
Substitutes
- Watercress (though if you don’t like rocket, chances are you won’t like watercress either); or endive, escarole, radicchio, chicory or young dandelion or mustard greens.
Storage Hints
- Don’t wash before refrigerating. If the roots are attached, wrap them in a damp paper towel, put in a plastic bag and refrigerate up to two days.
History Notes
- Rocket is native to Southern Europe, where it grows wild. Rocket was popular all throughout Europe including Britain during the Middle Ages. Then, a fashion victim of the changing times during the Victorian era, its popularity waned back to just Southern Europe, until the 1990s when it was rediscovered in the UK and in North America.
Language Notes
- In North America, Rocket is usually called “Arugula.” Many people think that is the Italian name, but it isn’t. The Italian word is “rucola” or sometimes “rochetta”. “Arugula” is an English corruption of the word in some Italian dialect, perhaps from Lombardy where they call it “arigola.” In Latin, “eruca” was a type of cabbage, and the English wor...