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Home Vegetarian Cooking 101 Ingredient Guides

What Is Arugula? Benefits, Cooking, And More!

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By: Sarah BondUpdated: Apr 11, 2023 Leave a Comment

This post contains affiliate links.

How much do you know about arugula lettuce? In this ingredient spotlight, we’re going over the must-know facts, from nutrition benefits to prepping and storing.

A close up image detailing the texture of arugula

Every once in a while I get out of a romaine or butterhead lettuce kick and venture into the arugula lettuce world. It’s one of my favorites for using on sandwiches or adding to salads or topping pizzas!

Arugula is a bright green lettuce variation found in a lot of Mediterranean dishes, and it looks like little pointy leaves. Funny enough, the 2-3 inch leaves are often referred to as “rocket leaves” for their shape!

Let’s compare it to other lettuces and look at the benefits, best uses, and more!

Arugula vs. Other Lettuce

Arugula’s closest cousin is probably spinach, though we can also be used in the same kinds of recipes as more water-based lettuces like romaine. Where spinach is sort of sweet but very grassy, arugula is peppery and more bitter! Compared to romaine, arugula is less watery and contains many more nutrients.

A while bowl filled with bright green arugula lettuce

Harvesting Arugula

Arugula is traditionally grown and harvested in Europe (Italy, Turkey, etc.), as it comes from the Mediterranean region. To this day, that region is still a big arugula production spot, though farming has expanded to include Florida and Arizona. It thrives in cooler temperatures, making fall and spring its prime seasons.

Benefits of Arugula

We all know leafy greens are top tier in the nutrient world, but do you know how many nutrients arugula actually has? It’s jam-packed!

Arugula lettuce is loaded with everything good, from folate and calcium to Vitamins C, K, A, and even potassium. Together, these nutrients benefit the body by supporting the immune system, blood flow, muscles, and bones, and provide antioxidants and electrolytes.

Fun fact: You can chew on an arugula leaf as a natural breath freshener!

Asparagus pizza recipe on orange background - This Burrata Asparagus Pizza is a simple yet downright delicious flatbread to whip up on pizza night. Creamy burrata piled with tender asparagus, fresh arugula, and lemon!

How to prep arugula

You can find arugula in the store in bags or containers ready to go, or you can find it in bunches. Leaves that look strong and dry are usually fresh; avoid leaves that look wet or dark.

If you’re cooking with a bunch (versus arugula from the ready-to-eat bags), be sure to cut off any thick stems. Rinse very thoroughly and dry in a salad spinner. Store in the crisper, but hurry and eat – it wilts fast!

Arugula leaves arranged neatly on a white background

How to use arugula in recipes

Arugula can be used in so many of the same ways that you would use other lettuce recipes. It makes a great salad base, sandwich addition or recipe topping and can be enjoyed both raw or cooked! Here are some of my favorite recipes with arugula.

  • Asparagus Pizza with Burrata and Arugula
  • Roasted Butternut Chickpea Hummus Wraps
  • Sweet Potato Salad with Quinoa and Hummus Dressing
  • Blueberry Balsamic Grilled Cheese
  • Lemony Arugula Grain Bowls
  • Summer Strawberry Salad
Butternut wraps on a plate with blue background - Spicy, savory flavor all wrapped up in warm flatbreads is the name of the game with these Roasted Butternut Chickpea Hummus Wraps!

You may also like...

  • Romaine Lettuce 101: Benefits, Storage, and Cooking!
  • Butterhead Lettuce 101: What It Is & How To Use It
  • Iceberg Lettuce 101
  • Radicchio 101: Benefits, Buying, and Cooking Guide!
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A flavor-loving nutritionist and sensory science specialist showing you how to make easy vegetarian recipes, one ingredient at a time.

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