THE arugula It is an original and widely cultivated plant in the Mediterranean region. This species belongs to the family Brassicaceae and is characterized by having a spicy flavor, which makes it widely consumed, being used, for example, in salads and pizzas.
Arugula is a vegetable in fibers, vitamins and mineral salts, being its consumption, therefore, beneficial to health. The rocket was introduced in Brazil by Italian immigrants, and today it is very appreciated in the country, being consumed mainly in the regions South and Southeast.
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What is the scientific name of arugula?
There are different species of arugula. In Brazil, the most cultivated species is the eruca sativa Miller, however, three species are used for human consumption. Besides the eruca sativa, are arugula species consumed by humans:Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC. and Diplotaxis muralis (L.) DC. The arugula belongs to family Brassicaceae, a family of great economic importance and which includes other well-known representatives, such as the
cabbage, a cabbage it's the broccoli.What is arugula?
arugula is a leafy and herbaceous vegetables, which presents a fast development and short cycle. Yoursheets are elongated, can measure between 10 cm and 15 cm high and present dark green coloration.
Arugula grows throughout the year and adapts better to warm temperature regions. It is recommended, for proper development and production of quality leaves, that the plant grows at temperatures between 15 ºC and 18 ºC. When this plant is subjected to higher temperatures, the reproductive phase is brought forward, causing early flowering and production to be impaired.
Large amounts of rain also affect its development, causing the plant to present a smaller size and the quality of the leaves to be harmed, being more yellow and damaged. Usually, harvesting can be carried out 30-40 days after sowing.
Arugula Benefits
Arucula is a vegetable that has a series of beneficial components to human health, and is therefore recommended for consumption. Besides being fiber source, the arugula is rich in Omega 3, Vitamins A and Ç, and mineral salts, especially calcium, iron and potassium.
The plant also features anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and it works like appetite stimulant. With regard to the medicinal properties of arugula, we can mention the use of the plant in Control of scurvy and in the treatment of lung diseases, intestinal gas and anemia.
Read more: Watercress - how to prepare, benefits and characteristics
How to use arugula?
The arugula has leaves that have a spicy flavor it is a pleasant smell, being used a lot raw in salads. In salads, arugula can be served alone or mixed with other leaves that have a milder flavor, such as lettuce. It can also be part of the fillings of quiches, pizzas and sandwiches, for example.
To consume the arugula, it is essential to wash the sheets with Water chain and sanitation, soaking them in a sanitizing solution according to the manufacturer's recommendations. After cleaning, it is important to wash the leaves again with running water. Proper cleaning of arugula, as well as other vegetables, greens, legumes and fruits, it is essential to remove disease-causing organisms, such as bacteriaat and eggs of nematodes.
After sanitizing the sheets, the correct storage must be done so that the product lasts longer and has less waste. In general, arugula has short durability. It can only be kept for a day at room temperature, as long as the place is cool and the underside of the vegetable is in an environment with water. In the refrigerator, durability increases, but the time it remains viable is about four days, as long as it is packed in a plastic bag.
By Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
Biology teacher
