Arugula is a low calorie, nutrient rich vegetable from the Brassicaceae family that includes mustard greens, radishes, cauliflower and kale. Arugula is a great alternative to iceberg lettuce because it offers a much greater density of nutrients with the same low calories.
Arugula is also know as “Salad Rocket”— a small, low growing annual herb featuring dandelion like succulent, elongated, lobular leaves with green-veins. In young plant, however, the plain light green leaves appear identical to that of spinach without lobulation. Young, tender leaves feature sweet, nutty, flavor and less peppery taste in contrast to strong, spicy flavor of mature greens.
I (Litsa) have never had arugula alone but enjoy it in a “Spring Mix” salad with other fresh baby greens! It is indeed nutty and pairs well with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. However, with the advantageous benefits of arugula, I know to look for it more this spring! Arugula is packed with eight times the calcium, fives times the vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K, and four times the iron as the same amount of iceberg lettuce. Thus, as our knowledge of greens increases the choice is easy:
Start with arugula for a healthier salad!
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