Rocket rocket , whose full name is rocket, is an annual plant of the brassica family, native to the Mediterranean regions. The arugula leaves have a characteristic, slightly spicy aftertaste. They are a great addition to many dishes and salads. See whatarugula cultivation looks like , when to sowrocket seedsand how to harvest the leaves to get the most of their aroma. We also advise on how to store andhow to eat arugulaand what are theproperties of arugulaand its use in the kitchen.
Arugula - the cultivation of arugula is easy and its leaves have valuable taste qualities
Arugula - properties and application
The basic raw material suitable for consumption isyoung rocket leavescollected before the inflorescence shoot appears. Their slightly searing taste and a rich bouquet of aromas with a slight nutty aftertaste madearugula widely used in culinary , being an indispensable ingredient of dishes, primarily in Mediterranean cuisine. Young plants form small rosettes of raised dark green leaves, and after a few weeks of intensive growth, they produce a 50-60 cm inflorescence shoot with numerous cream flowers resembling those of a good old radish. After pollination, pods containing fat-rich seeds are formed, which are also becoming more and more widely used for culinary purposes, expanding the possibilities ofapplication of arugula
Flavoredarugula propertiesshould be used in the preparation of many popular dishes.Rocket leaves contain a lot of vitamin C, large amounts of zinc and iron, as well as nearly 20% of vegetable protein. They taste best raw as an addition to various types of salads, an aromatic decoration for sandwiches and a variety of stuffing casseroles. They are also perfect as an aromatic addition to kefir, cottage cheese spreads and scrambled eggs.
The leaves and riperocket seeds are usedas a component of oil flavoring mixtures, and after fine cutting, they form a delicious pesto sauce with pine nuts and vegetable oil. In the Far East, arugula seeds are used to produce aromatic oil for preserving vegetable preserves, and fresh seeds are used in the preparation of vegetarian dishes popular in these regions.Personally, I prefer more strong flavors, so I collect arugula leaves also after the inflorescence shoot appears and during flowering. Then they taste like spicy, searing radishes with a characteristic, stronger, even than the young leaves, aftertaste.Then they are perfect as an addition to tomato, zucchini and pepper dishes, emphasizing their taste.
Arugula - cultivation at home and on the plot
Cultivation site, rocket requirements
On the plot, the bestrocket plantis a slightly shaded, warm place with fertile, well-drained soil, preferably with a pH close to neutral . Regular watering is very important, because when it dries, the leaves of the rocket become bitter. Due to the short growing season,rocket is perfect for growingas a forecrop or catch crop. However, remember not to grow arugula after cruciferous vegetables, because it belongs to the same family, and thus is susceptible to the same diseases and pests. As an aftercrop vegetable, we can sow arugula until the beginning of September.
is also very successful in growing arugula at home , preferably in a pot on the balcony. The first fresh leaves can be torn off just a dozen or so days after sowing.Sow the rocket into the pots in ordinary, universal soil and remember to water it regularly. Rocket as a potted plant for a balcony or terrace is very easy to grow and I recommend it especially to lovers of fresh salads and herbs.
When to sow rocket seeds
Rocket seedscan be sown from the end of March to September at intervals of two to three weeks to keep fresh, young leaves throughout the season (the rocket quickly knocks out the inflorescence shoots, especially when it has too much sun ). The method of sowing is the same as for radishes. When the plants produce 3-4 leaves, we can make a break, leaving single rosettes every 6 cm. The torn out cuttings can be successfully used in the kitchen as an addition to, for example, sandwiches. In the case ofgrowing arugula in pots , in order to avoid a break, the seeds can be sown at 6 cm intervals.
Harvesting and storage of rocket
When the plants have grown to approx.12 cm, we can harvest.A rocket harvestis done once by tearing out the entire rosettes or tearing the outer leaves several times every 4-5 days. The collected rocket leaves can be used immediately in the kitchen or stored wrapped in cling film for two days on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.
Arugula - problems in growing
Rucola usually does not get sick, but very often falls prey to earth fleas, which strongly puncture its leaves, thus greatly weakening plant growth, and in extreme cases even causing them to dry out. To protect plants against attacks by these pests, we can use a tight cover made of white non-woven fabric covered with earth on both sides, so that insects do not get under the cover.
Wintering rocket
If we plan to leave the plants in the bed during the winter, thenrocket seeds should be sown late , because only in October. After the first severe frosts have occurred, thoroughly cover the winterrocketwith light, air-permeable material.Plants protected in this way will give a large April yield of leaves with high nutritional value.
I encourage everyone togrowing arugulaon a plot or at home, because you don't have to go to Greece to feel the Mediterranean atmosphere!
People looking for high-qualityseeds rocket for growing in the garden and plot , I recommend the store of our guide. We sell arugula that yields profusely and is resistant to diseases and unfavorable growing conditions. By sowing these seeds you will see how easy it can be to grow rocket in your own garden :-) To see the seeds offer, click on the image below.
Emil Gwizdała
