Arugula

Arugula is one of the many edible plants that has become popular lately. Known since the Roman times in its wild variety, it has never been cultivated for trade until recent times. Anyway, his production is still very small.

It is also known as rocket and in several parts of the world is considered and aphrodisiac, but there is not evidence of it. It is rich in Vitamin C and potassium. As it is leafy, it can be used as lettuce, specially in salads. Some people also use it to make pesto, instead of basil.

In the Naples region, a digestive liqueur is made of it. Its name is rucolino

President Obama is considered to be an arugula consumer. Probably it was the fact that made him make a mistake in Iowa, when he asked for the price of this plant in an inexistent “Whole Foods” (an important organic foods store) in this State.

Many people consider Arugula one of the last “flavor of the month”, as its nutrients can be obtained from many other cheaper vegetables and fruits. If you like Arugula and don’t have to ride 100 miles to get it, it’s OK. But you can enjoy a healthy life without it.

Considered a gourmet product, Arugula has given name to the book “The United States of Arugula: How We Became a Gourmet Nation“, written by David Camp.