Arugula

Arugula is a zippy and peppery little green also known as rocket across the pond. I couldn’t bring myself to order pizza in Italy covered with rocket for the life of me, for fear of some strange concoction on top. Well rocket is arugula, and arugula is delicious! It’s amazing in a salad, on top of pizza and bruschetta (the Italians know their stuff), pasta, sandwiches, eggs, or a spicy pesto.

  • Arugula is packed with plant-powered phytochemicals such as indoles, thiocyanates, sulforaphane, and iso­thiocyanates. Together, these compounds have been shown to protect against certain cancers including colon, breast, cervical, prostate, and ovarian cancers.
  • Just like other leafy greens, you’ll find plenty of folate in arugula. Folate is necessary for fetal development in pregnant mothers and is important for red blood cell production.
  • The antioxidant, beta-carotene, found in arugula converts to Vitamin A in our bod. Vitamin A protects us from skin, lung, and oral cavity cancers and is key for healthy vision, a functioning immune system, and cell growth.
  • Arugula also fills us up with bone loving Vitamin K, iron, calcium, and the powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C for immune system support.

Vegukate Tips:

Look for organic arugula, it’s usually around the same price as conventionally grown, but tastes far superior.

You can find arugula year round in grocery markets, but the season peaks from June to December. Look for crisp, green leaves and store in your refrigerator for up to four days.