The leaves of arugula have distinct sharp, pungent, spicy and peppery flavor which resembles mustard greens. It is a herbaceous, low growing, annual plant which has green and deeply cut compound leaves. Plants develop white or yellow blossoms along with reddish or deep violet veins. Inherent to Mediterranean region, Arugula grows wild in the Southern Europe. Arugula is also called a salad herb or salad green. Arugula could be added to tomatoes and lettuce or baby salad greens which helps to enhance the taste.
| Name | Arugula |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Eruca sativa |
| Native | Mediterranean areas such as Greece, Italy and Turkey. |
| Common/English Name | Rocket, Roquette, Rucola, Garden rocket, Eruca, Rocket Salad, Arrugula, Gargeer, Roka, Rugula, Tira |
| Name in Other Languages | French: roquette, Italian: rucola or rughetta, Chinese: Zi ma cai, French: Roquette commune, German: Rauke, Greek: Euzomon, Herbew: Gargir, Hindi: Jamba, Italian: Rucola, Japanese: Roketsuto, Portuguese: Rύgula, Spanish (Mexico): Zarmao |
| Plant Growth Habit | Annual, fast growing |
| Growing Climate | Cool season |
| Soil | Well drained, fertile |
| Plant Size | 2”-6” high |
| Stem | Pale green |
| Leaf shape and size | Elongated, flat, resembles dandelion; Length: 7-10 cm |
| Leaf color | Dark green |
| Flowering Season | Spring and summer |
| Flower | White with purple veins |
| Flavor/aroma | Peppery, aromatic (Leaves) |
| Taste | Mustardy, tart, spicy |
| Seed | Thick, flat-beaked |
| Varieties/Types |
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| Major Nutritions (Raw) | Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 10.9 µg (9.08%) Vitamin B9 (Folate) 10 µg (2.50%) Iron, Fe 0.15 mg (1.88%) Vitamin A, RAE 12 µg (1.71%) Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 1.5 mg (1.67%) Calcium, Ca 16 mg (1.60%) Manganese, Mn 0.032 mg (1.39%) Magnesium, Mg 5 mg (1.19%) Copper, Cu 0.008 mg (0.89%) Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) 0.044 mg (0.88%) |
| Health Benefits |
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| Calories in 0.5 cup (10 gm) | 2 Kcal. |