Amazing Arugula

Arugula (Eruca sativa) *photo: this year’s self reseeded fall arugula

Also known as salad or garden rocket, arugula is one of the nutritious green-leafy vegetables of Mediterranean origin. It is a quick growing cool season crop, prefers well-drained fertile soil and full sunlight to flourish.

A member of Brassica family, similar to cauliflower, kale, and mustard greens, arugula is a rich source of certain phytochemicals that have been shown to combat cancer-causing elements in the body.

Arugula is also a great source of folic acid and vitamins A, C and K. As one of the best vegetable sources of vitamin K, arugula provides a boost for bone and brain health. It has many minerals including high levels of iron and copper, making it a good substitute for spinach if you’re paying attention to getting more vegetable based iron in your diet.

Centuries ago Romans discovered that those who ate it regularly were more sexually energized, and it became revered as a powerful aphrodisiac. It has since been used as a sensual enhancer throughout many regions of the world.

Don’t limit yourself to salads, try adding arugula to pastas, grains, sandwiches, wraps and soups, or blend it into a delicious spicy pesto. It has very few calories and tons of flavor so it’s a great green to help maintain a healthy weight without sacrificing great tasting foods.

No matter what your reasoning for eating it, arugula is a fantastic food to add to your diet any time of year, and especially while it’s young, tender and locally in season.

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