Arugula is one of those winter greens you should really try. Also called salad rocket, roquette, Italian cress, and rucola, it has a bright green color with small lobed leaves. The mild peppery and herbaceous flavor works well with other greens, adding a little “kick” to your salads.
It can be used both raw and lightly cooked as a bed for fresh seafood, chopped on a simple cheese and tomato pizza added to a BLT or grilled cheese sandwich or tossed in a mixed green salad.
Arugula pairs well with citrus, roasted beets, pears, and apples, pine nuts, olives, tomatoes, and robust cheeses such as goat, blue, and Parmesan cheese. Your farmers' market is sure to have the freshest and most flavorful arugula in town!
The Lowdown
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Color
Green
Select
Choose arugula with firm, bright green leaves. If you are buying it bunched, it should feel heavy. This is a sign of moisture and freshness.
Store
Place in a re-sealable storage bag and store in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.