In Ancient Rome, arugula was considered an aphrodisiac and was forbidden from being grown in the monastic gardens of the Roman Catholic Church.
When was arugula first used?
Arugula has been around for quite a while. It was even mentioned in the Old Testament Book of Kings (II Kings 4:39, to be exact). So, we know that arugula’s history is a long one and that it was harvested as early as the 6th century B.C. Aside from the Bible, the nutty green appears in various works throughout history.
What is the history of arugula?
This leafy green vegetable is native to the Mediterranean region and southern Europe. We know that the ancient Romans ate arugula. It was even mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible as well as the Jewish Talmud. It has been cultivated and gardened for centuries in Britain.
Why do they call arugula rocket in Italy?
“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 word “rocket”, the German word “Rauke” and the Italian “rucola” can be traced back to that word.
Is arugula same as rocket?
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.
What is arugula called in Italy?
ruchetta
The Latin name is Eruca sativa, but arugula comes from an Italian dialect’s variation on ruchetta, the plant’s name in Italy.
What does arugula mean in Italian?
Centuries ago in Italy, arugula was also called “eruca.” This is the Latin word for “caterpillar,” and refers to how the plant was vulnerable to caterpillar infestations.
Is arugula healthier than kale?
Did you know that arugula has more calcium and zinc than kale? It’s also nutritionally equal to kale in iron and magnesium and has fewer carbohydrates and naturally occurring sugars.
Can you eat arugula raw?
How to use it. Arugula is delicious raw, and it can be used as a healthy add-on topping for pizza, nachos, sandwiches, and wraps. It can be served as a side salad with nothing more than a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. It also makes an excellent base for more substantial salad recipes.
Why is arugula good for you?
Arugula is full of antioxidants — compounds that can protect against or reverse damage to your cells. Arugula also has glucosinolates. These natural substances, which give arugula its bitter taste and strong scent, may protect you against certain cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers.
What is arugula called in Europe?
Rocket (UK) / Arugula (US)
This a peppery green leaf that you often get in salads. Once again, “arugula” is taken from Italian and is popular in the US, while “rocket” is simply an English version of the French word “roquette”.
What do Australians call arugula?
Organic Roquette
Organic Roquette (Rocket or Arugula) – Australian.
Is arugula better than spinach?
The calorie, protein, and fiber content of both vegetables is similar, but the vitamins and minerals tip the scale towards spinach — except for calcium. Spinach has more vitamin A, C, K, folate, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and iron.
What is arugula called in India?
Gargeer
In India, Arugula is called as “Gargeer”. Now, you know “what is arugula”. Arugula ( Eruca Sativa) is a leafy vegetable which is mainly used in salads.
Is rocket healthy to eat?
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.
Why is arugula spicy?
Its distinctive aroma and flavours are created by chemical compounds produced by its leaves, called isothiocyanates. Some of these compounds can be eye-wateringly hot, whereas others can have a radishy flavour – or none at all.
What is the difference between arugula and wild arugula?
Wild arugula has thin, jagged leaves, a punchier peppery taste and is hardier than standard arugula. Though it’s called wild arugula, this variety is now cultivated and can be found in most specialty grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
What else is arugula called?
Roquette
Arugula, also known as salad or garden rocket,is one of the nutritious green-leafy vegetable of Mediterranean origin. It is a small, low growing annual herb featuring dandelion like succulent, elongated, lobular leaves with green-veins.
Is arugula a lettuce?
Despite the fact that it’s a popular salad green, arugula isn’t actually lettuce at all — it’s a member of the brassica family, along with cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and mustard greens.
What is arugula called in Greece?
Roka is the Greek name for arugula/rocket, and it is exceedingly peppery, especially compared to the flavor of arugula/rocket in the United States. In Greece, roka is eaten raw in salads and sometimes cooked with black-eyed peas and other legumes in casseroles rich with olive oil.
What is the best way to eat arugula?
Arugula can be eaten uncooked or cooked. You can use arugula uncooked in salads, either on its own, or in combination with other lettuces. Because it is quite peppery, it is often used as part of a lettuce blend, especially if the arugula is more mature and stronger in taste. It’s nice in sandwiches as well.