Arugula, one of the vibrant greens in our Exotic Greens Collection, is here to kick up the flavor and give your meals a fresh, peppery twist. With its tender leaves and bold taste, this green has become a staple in kitchens everywhere—from high-end restaurants to home chefs looking to spice up their salads. Whether you’re seeking out fresh, high-quality greens or ready to explore convenient ways to shop for produce online, arugula offers the perfect combination of bold flavor and nutritional benefits for your meals.

Different Varieties of Arugula

Arugula comes in a few different varieties, each with its own vibe. But no matter which one you choose, you’ll get that signature peppery bite:

• Wild Arugula: A little more intense and a bit more rugged. This variety packs a punch with its stronger flavor and smaller, jagged leaves.
  
• Garden Arugula: The classic, mild version that we all know and love. It’s the go-to for salads and sandwiches, delivering a crisp, peppery snap without being overpowering.
  
• Arugula Rocket: A slightly milder variety, this one’s perfect for those who want that signature arugula flavor without it being too in-your-face.
  

Nutritional Content of Arugula

According to Healthline.com, Arugula contains several vital nutrients, including:

• Calcium: Calcium helps your blood to clot. It’s also necessary for bone health, tooth health, muscle function, and nerve function.
  
• Potassium: This mineral and electrolyte affects heart and nerve function and helps your muscles contract. Potassium helps to reduce the negative effects of sodium, and so may be beneficial for people with high blood pressure.
  
• Folate: This B vitamin helps support the production of DNA and other genetic material. It’s particularly important for people who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. 
  
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps support the immune system. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is important for tissue health and the absorption of iron from food.
  
• Vitamin K: Vitamin K helps with blood clotting. If you require a prescription blood thinner, such as warfarin (Coumadin), discuss your vitamin K intake with your doctor before changing your eating habits.
  
• Vitamin A (derived from beta-carotene):  Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, cell growth, and overall eye health. It also works to help maintain lung, and heart function.

How To Prepare Arugula

Ready to bring arugula into your meals? There are so many ways to enjoy this peppery green. Here are a few ideas:

• Fresh Salads: Arugula is an absolute star in salads. Its peppery crunch pairs beautifully with fruits like apples, pears, berries, tangy cheeses like goat cheese, and a light vinaigrette.
  
• Wraps & Sandwiches: Toss a handful of arugula onto your wraps, sandwiches, or burgers for a burst of freshness and flavor. It’s the perfect topping to balance richer ingredients like cheese or avocado.
  
• Pesto: Swap basil for arugula in your next pesto. Blend it with garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, and nuts for a vibrant, spicy twist on the classic.
  
• Topping: Arugula is delicious raw and can be used as toppings for pizzas, pastas and, nachos.

Fun Facts About Arugula

• Arugula is also called rocket (and no, not the spaceship kind). The name comes from the plant’s original Latin name, eruca. While developing his botanical taxonomy, Carl Linnaeus named arugula Eruca sativa. (Rareseeds)
• Eating more cruciferous vegetables like arugula can lower the risk of lung and colon cancer. Since cooking breaks down glucosinate, the cancer-fighting compound, eating arugula raw helps you get the full benefit (Very Well Fit, 2023)
• Arugula’s leaves, flowers, seed pods, and mature seeds are all edible. (Farmer Share, 2023)
  

Meet The Other Exotic Greens

Check out our articles below to discover what makes each fresh vegetable in our Exotic Greens Collection unique!

• Microgreens
• Spinach
• Baby Mix Lettuce
• Baby Romaine Lettuce
• Kale
• Watercress

Where To Find Our Exotic Greens

Shop fresh vegetables from our Exotic Greens Collection directly on our website today at farmlinkr.com! We offer both bulk and home options for your convenience. Click here to purchase.

Disclaimer

Before diving into arugula, check in with your healthcare provider, especially if you have any health conditions or take medications. If you’re on blood thinners, be mindful of arugula’s high Vitamin K content, which could interfere with your medication.

Sources

“The History of Arugula: A Peppery Plant’s Storied Past.” Rare Seeds, www.rareseeds.com/blog/post/the-history-of-arugula-peppery-plant-storied-past.

“Arugula: Nutrition, Benefits, Uses, and More.” Healthline, 10 May 2023, www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/arugula#uses.

“Arugula Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.” Verywell Fit, 15 Mar. 2023, www.verywellfit.com/arugula-nutrition-facts-4586353.

“Arugula.” Farmer Food Share, www.farmerfoodshare.org/arugula/#:~:text=This%20member%20of%20the%20mustards,mature%20seeds%20are%20all%20edible