Because at Paulina Cocina, we don't just talk about cool recipes, but also about those ingredients or products that we sometimes don't know about and could try. This time, we're going to talk about arugula, which isn't the most popular vegetable in the market, but that doesn't mean it doesn't deserve a place in our daily lives.
With many benefits for the body, medicinal properties , and culinary applications, it touched our hearts and we decided everyone should know about it. Especially for serving on a delicious arugula and Parmesan pizza ... We're already hungry, so let's get to the facts.
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All the information about arugula
What is arugula?
Arugula a leafy green plant whose unique, slightly peppery flavor distinguishes it from other leafy greens, making it a popular ingredient in salads and culinary dishes.
Arugula is a vegetable with a characteristic flavor that combines bitterness with a slight spicy kick It belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is native to the Mediterranean region. It has become a popular ingredient in cooking due to its distinctive flavor.
This vegetable has been consumed for thousands of years. Its consumption is believed to date back to ancient Rome and Greece , where it was valued for both its flavor and health benefits.
This plant is known by different names in different parts of the world. In addition to its classic name, it is also known as "arugula," "rucola," "wild cress," "rock garden," and "rocket ." These names vary by region and culture.
Benefits and properties of arugula
Native to the Mediterranean region, arugula has gained popularity worldwide due to its distinctive flavor.
In cooking, this ingredient is used in a variety of dishes. It adds a unique flavor and crunchy texture to salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta dishes. Furthermore, its bitter and spicy can add depth and balance to culinary preparations.
- Arugula is also prized for its versatility, as it can be eaten raw, cooked, or even incorporated into green smoothies and pestos .
Throughout history, it has been attributed with the quality of being a natural aphrodisiac . It was said that its consumption stimulated passion and libido. While this may be more of a popular belief than a scientific fact, it is interesting how plants have often been associated with mystical properties.
Arugula: from bitter to savory
Its bitter taste is a distinctive characteristic of this ingredient , which some may find challenging. However, there are ways to soften its bitterness to make it more palatable.
One technique is to blanch arugula briefly by immersing it in boiling water for a few seconds and then rapidly cooling it in ice water. This can reduce its bitterness without compromising its texture and nutritional value.
Another option is to combine it with other ingredients with milder, sweeter flavors, such as fresh fruit or nuts. This helps balance the flavors and tone down the bitterness, as in the case of arugula and granola salad or arugula, strawberry, and Brie cheese salads .
Mixing arugula with other types of lettuce or leafy greens can help soften its bitter taste, such as in a lettuce and arugula salad .
4 things you didn't know about arugula
- Fast-growing plant : It's known for its rapid growth cycle. It can be harvested just a few weeks after planting, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking for quick results.
- Flower Appearance : As it matures, it develops small white flowers with a nutty aroma. These flowers are not only edible but also impart a flavor similar to that of arugula leaves, adding a unique touch to culinary preparations.
- Presence in Italian cuisine : It's a fundamental ingredient in Italian cooking, especially in the Liguria region, where it's a key component of pesto sauce. Its flavor and texture complement other Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
- Arugula Varieties : There are several varieties of arugula, some of which have slightly different flavor profiles and leaf shapes. Some varieties have smaller, more tender leaves, while others have larger, more peppery leaves.
What do you prefer? Spinach or arugula?
The choice between spinach and arugula depends largely on personal preferences and individual nutritional needs.
- Spinach is known for its mild flavor and tender texture . Spinach is also versatile in the kitchen and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to stews.
- On the other hand, arugula has a bolder flavor, with a spicy and bitter note. However, its distinctive flavor profile may not be to everyone's taste.
The choice between spinach and arugula depends on individual preferences. Those looking for a mild-flavored, versatile may opt for spinach, while those seeking a bolder, more distinctive flavor may choose arugula.
Incorporating a variety of vegetables into your diet is a great way to get a wide range of nutrients and flavors. Here's a video with a thousand tips to improve your vegetables.
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