Peppery arugula—also known as rocket—gives a bold flavor despite its delicate leafy appearance. It has a distinctive flavor that makes everything delicious: as a nutritious base for salad, piled onto a freshly baked pizza, or made into pesto.

What Is Arugula?

Arugula (Eruca sativa), also known as garden rocket, roquette, or rucola, is an edible plant in the brassica family along with cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage. Originally from the Mediterranean, the peppery leafy green has long been a staple in Italian and French cuisine. Arugula has become popular in the United States over the last few decades and is now commonly used as salad greens.

Arugula is low in sugar, calories, carbohydrates, and fat, and rich in nutrients including, vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin K, vitamin A, calcium, potassium, and folate. These leafy green vegetables are full of beta-carotene and antioxidants, which boost the immune system and may promote eye and bone health. Adding more of these leafy greens to your diet is an easy way to encourage weight loss due to its low-calorie count.