Sources:
Enter the
Share Market®
Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Arugula consists of vibrant green leaves attached to a pale creamy green hued stem. The leaves are lobed and can be harvested when young and mild in flavor or when fully mature at 3 or 4 inches in length. Arugula offers an herbaceous, peppery flavor with nuances of nuts and mustard. Leaves allowed to mature too long on the arugula plant will become bitter in taste. The pungent flavor of arugula is due to its high content of sulfur containing compounds known as glucosinolates.
Seasons/Availability
Arugula is available year-round.
Current Facts
Arugula scientifically known as Eruca sativa is a member of the mustard or Brassicaceae family along with broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mustard, radish and collard greens. Also known as salad rocket, roquette, Italian cress and rucola, both the leaves and flowers of this annual herb are edible and most commonly used today as a salad green.
Nutritional Value
Arugula is a nutrient rich leafy green providing vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, riboflavin, copper, iron, zinc, folate and potassium. Cruciferous vegetables such as arugula are also high in antioxidant phytochemicals and rich in sulfur containing compounds known as glucosinolates which have been shown to have detoxifying properties and may be beneficial in the prevention of certain types of cancer.
Applications
In the culinary world arugula is used as an herb, a salad green and even a leaf vegetable, making it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. It can be used both raw and cooked, though cooking will give the leaves a milder flavor. Add to raw pesto and sauces to showcase its pungency. Use as a leafy bed for grilled seafood. Chop and sprinkle atop pizza and pasta just before serving. Combine with other greens to spice up a salad. Add whole leaves to grilled cheese sandwiches or a BLT. Use in lieu of spinach in omelets and quiche. In the Gulf of Naples on the island of Ischia arugula is made into a liqueur known as Rucolino. The sharp flavor of arugula pairs well with citrus, roasted beets, pears, pine nuts, olives, tomato and robust cheeses such as goat, blue and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Mention of arugula can be found in several religious texts, in 2 Kings in the Bible it is referred to as oroth and in Jewish texts such as the Mishna and Talmud that date back to the first through fifth century AD. Arugula is noted for its use as both a food and medicine. In ancient Rome and Egypt consumption of arugula leaves and seeds were associated with aphrodisiac properties. In India the leaves of arugula are not commonly used however the seeds of the plant are pressed to produce oil known as taramira that is used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.
Geography/History
Native to the Mediterranean region, arugula blossoms and leaves have long been a popular ingredient in the cuisines of Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Turkey. Arugula was brought to America by British colonists but it was not until the 1990’s that arugula became known as a popular culinary ingredient in the United States. Arugula thrives in moderate to cool climates, too much heat will cause it to bolt and impart a bitter flavor on the leaves. It can grow on dry land and wet soil alike. Arugula's spicy aroma and flavor make it naturally resistant to pests.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Hilltop Winery | Valley Center CA | 760-913-1013 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-543-2764 |
| Flap Your Jacks | San Diego CA | 858-224-7442 |
| Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe 1 | San Diego CA | 858-405-2401 |
| The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
| Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
| Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| The Go Go Truck | San Diego CA | 401-837-1740 |
| Bikram's Students | San Diego CA | 619-220-6811 |
| Paradise Point Resort Tidal | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| The Miller's Table | Oceanside CA | 310-694-4091 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Arugula. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Arugula using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
|
Green market
Zhibek Zholy 53 About 165 days ago, 10/23/19 Sharer's comments : Fresh Aruegala! 
Mercato di Campo dei Fiori
Near Rome, Rome, ItalyAbout 202 days ago, 9/16/19 
Vista Farmers Market
Peter Schaner
Near Vista, California, United States30819 Mesa Crest Road Valley Center CA 92082 760-749-9376 About 302 days ago, 6/08/19 Farm Runners Near Hotchkiss, Colorado, United States About 457 days ago, 1/04/19 Fat Cat Organics, Cullman AL Near Cullman, Alabama, United States About 597 days ago, 8/17/18 
Little Italy Mercato
Anthony - Maciel Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States1-760-521-0643 About 645 days ago, 6/30/18 Sharer's comments : Arugula spotted at Little Italy Mercato. 
Little Italy Mercato
Anthony - Maciel Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States1-760-521-0643 About 673 days ago, 6/02/18 Sharer's comments : Arugula spotted at Little Italy Mercato. 
Brentwood Farmers' Market
Near Sawtelle, California, United StatesAbout 721 days ago, 4/15/18 Sharer's comments : Arugula spotted at Brentwood Farmers' Market. Great for mixing up salads. |
