Arugula: Green Garden Greatness

It’s official; we have entered salad season 2017. There are a number of great salad styles but the one most of us are familiar with are the leafy green garden variety. Even within the leafy green family there are a few possibilities for you to pick from when building your own salad. Spinach, romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, Boston (or bib) lettuce, beet tops, mustard greens are all options for you to discover with different characteristics in each. There is also the option that we will be looking at this week, arugula.

Originating from the Mediterranean region of Europe arugula is now cultivated worldwide due to the diverse conditions in which it can grow. Through the 1980’s and 90’s arugula hit it big in North America, as that was when the culinary scene pulled the green out from relative seclusion into the gourmet spotlight. Prior to that arugula or rucula was a lesser-known green, utilized mostly by Italian immigrants.

The boldness of arugula does not escape anyone who has tasted the green. There is a defined punch that some describe as peppery and others mustard-like. A herbaceous note does accompany the arugula, possibly in an attempt to naturally balance out the heat.   It is said that everything in nature is balanced, as should every dish that comes out of a professional kitchen.

So now that you know all about where arugula came from and a good approximation of what it tastes like, lets get into some dishes where you can finally start using arugula. Firstly, and most commonly, you will find this in salads. Arugula salads are great on their own but you may also find it hidden amongst a mixed greens salad. Beyond salad this leafy vegetable can also be stirred into spaghetti, or any other pasta dish your heart desires. Homemade pizzas are another great option to arrange for arugula; spread sparingly amongst pasta sauce, prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella is great on a hot summers’ day.

Be it a pasta dish, a salad or on a pizza arugula works well any time of year. The peppery robust flavour profile can add a herbaceous bite to any dish it appears in. From a humble Mediterranean origin arugula is now celebrated nearly worldwide and now armed with this information can even take centre stage at your place.