General Information
Arugula is a type of leaf vegetable, and although often mistaken for a sort of lettuce, is, in fact, an herb, being a member of the mustard family. Arugula is a wonderful herb enjoyed raw in salads. It has a very distinct peppery and rhubarb flavor. It works well in warm salads too.
History
Native to the Mediterranean region, arugula leaves have long been a popular ingredient in the cuisines of Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Turkey. Arugula was brought to America by British colonists but it was not until the 1990’s that arugula became known as a popular culinary ingredient in the United States. Arugula thrives in moderate to cool climates, too much heat will cause it to bolt and impart a bitter flavor on the leaves. It can grown on dry land and wet soil alike. Arugula’s spicy aroma and flavor make it naturally resistant to pests.
