Category: Vegetables
🤔 What Is Rocket?
Rocket, widely known as arugula in North America, is a leafy green with a distinctly peppery and slightly nutty flavor. Its tender leaves make it a vibrant addition to salads, a zesty topping for pizzas and flatbreads, and a flavorful green to wilt into pasta or blend into a spicy pesto.
Quick Reference Card
| Condition | Ideal Storage | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Whole/Unwashed Rocket | Refrigerator (in breathable bag) | 2-4 days |
| Washed Rocket | Refrigerator: 0-4°C (32-39°F) | 1-2 days |
| Frozen | Not applicable | Not recommended |
The Triple-S Method
Master the three essential steps for food success:
🛒 SHOP SMART: Selection Guide
- Look for bright, deep green leaves that are crisp.
- Avoid any bunches or bags with yellowed, wilted, or slimy leaves.
- Smaller, younger leaves (“baby rocket”) are more tender and less peppery.
Appearance
Choose rocket with vibrant, fresh-looking leaves. Check packaged rocket for any signs of condensation or decay at the bottom of the container.
Smell
Fresh rocket has a pleasant, peppery aroma. A strong, sour, or unpleasant smell indicates that it has started to spoil.
Texture
The leaves should be tender but firm, not limp or slimy. Sliminess is the first sign of decay in leafy greens.
Common Varieties / Types
Rocket is typically sold in two forms based on its maturity.
- Baby Rocket: These are young, small leaves with a milder peppery flavor and a very tender texture, ideal for fresh salads.
- Mature Rocket: The leaves are larger, with a more pronounced scalloped shape and a much more robust, pungent, and peppery flavor.
📅 Seasonal Buying Guide
North America (USA/Canada)
Rocket (arugula) is a cool-season crop, with the best flavor during its peak seasons in spring and autumn. It is available year-round from greenhouses.
Europe
Rocket thrives in the Mediterranean and is at its best in the spring and autumn. Hot summer weather can make it more bitter.
Australia/New Zealand
Peak seasons for the best-tasting rocket are during the milder spring and autumn months.
Tropical/Subtropical Regions
Rocket can be grown in these regions, often year-round, but it performs best in the slightly cooler and drier parts of the year.
Seasonal Quality Variations
Rocket harvested in its preferred cool season will be more tender and have a more balanced peppery flavor. Heat-stressed rocket can be overly bitter and pungent.
❄ STORE FRESH: Storage Guide
- Primary Method: Refrigerator for 2-4 days.
- Key Tip: Keep it very dry. A paper towel in the bag is essential.
- Do not wash until you are ready to eat it.
Storage Method Details
Refrigerator: According to the USDA, delicate leafy greens like rocket are highly perishable. To prevent sliminess, store unwashed rocket in a container or plastic bag lined with a paper towel. This absorbs excess moisture and can keep it fresh for 2-4 days in the crisper drawer.
Washed Rocket: If you wash rocket in advance, its shelf life is reduced to 1-2 days. It is critical to dry it completely using a salad spinner before refrigerating.
Rocket’s thin leaves lose moisture quickly (wilting) but also decay rapidly when wet (sliminess). Proper storage requires a balance: the refrigerator’s cold air slows decay, while the paper towel prevents the leaves from sitting in moisture.
Ethylene Production/Sensitivity
Rocket is sensitive to ethylene gas. Store it away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples, bananas, and tomatoes to prevent it from yellowing and spoiling quickly.
Revival Techniques
Slightly wilted rocket can be revived by soaking the leaves in a bowl of ice water for 15-30 minutes. After soaking, dry the leaves thoroughly in a salad spinner to restore their crispness.
⚠ STAY SAFE: Food Safety Tips
- Max Time at Room Temp: 2 Hours
Understanding Food Safety Rules
Leafy greens are a common source of foodborne pathogens. The CDC recommends washing all greens thoroughly before eating, even those labeled “pre-washed,” by swishing them in a bowl of cool water and then rinsing.
Reheating Methods
Rocket is not reheated. It is either served raw or added to hot dishes at the end of cooking to be wilted by the residual heat.
Date Labels Explained
Bagged rocket will have a “Best By” date, which indicates peak quality. Always inspect the bag for signs of spoilage before this date.
Allergen Information
- Contains: None of the top 9 allergens.
⚠ Special Safety Considerations
The textured leaves of rocket can easily trap sand and dirt. A thorough wash is essential to ensure it is clean before consumption.
Pesticide Residue Information
Leafy greens like rocket can have pesticide residues. The FDA recommends washing them thoroughly. Choosing organic rocket is a good way to reduce exposure.
🧊 Freezing & Thawing Guide
Freezing Effects & Preparation
Freezing is not suitable for rocket that will be eaten in a salad, as it ruins the texture. However, it can be frozen for use in cooked dishes like soups or pestos.
To freeze, blanch the leaves for one minute in boiling water, cool in an ice bath, squeeze out all moisture, and freeze in small portions.
Recommended Thawing Methods
Add frozen rocket directly to hot dishes like soups or sauces without thawing first.
Not Recommended
Do not thaw rocket before using, as it will become a soggy, unappealing mass.
🔥 Cooking Information
Quick Cooking Reference
Rocket is best used raw or cooked very briefly to preserve its peppery flavor.
| Method | Heat | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilting | Residual Heat | 30-60 sec | Tender, less peppery |
| Sautéing | Medium | 1-2 min | Soft, flavor mellows |
Cooking Methods for Rocket
Cooking rocket tames its spicy bite and makes it tender.
Wilting
Add a handful of fresh rocket to hot pasta, risotto, or soup just before serving. The heat of the dish will perfectly wilt the leaves in less than a minute.
As a Topping
For a fresh, peppery contrast, toss rocket with olive oil and place it on top of a pizza or bruschetta after it has been cooked.
📊 Nutritional Information
Average values per 100g (approx. 3.5 oz) portion
- High in: Vitamin K, Vitamin A
- Good source of: Vitamin C, Folate, Calcium
Rocket (Raw/Fresh)
- Calories: 25 kcal
- Protein: 2.6g
- Fat: 0.7g
- Carbohydrates: 3.7g
- Fiber: 1.6g
Rocket (Cooked/Prepared)
- Cooking reduces the volume but concentrates some minerals. Vitamin C content may decrease with heat.
Key Nutrients & Their Benefits
- Vitamin K: Rocket is an excellent source of Vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and plays a vital role in bone health.
- Glucosinolates: These compounds give rocket its characteristic peppery flavor and are believed to have significant antioxidant properties.
- Nitrates: Like other leafy greens, rocket is a good source of dietary nitrates, which may support cardiovascular health.
Nutritional data is an estimate. Consult with a nutritionist for personalized advice.
🌎 Sustainability & Sourcing
Rocket is a fast-growing, cool-season crop that is relatively sustainable. It can be grown in many climates, allowing for local sourcing that reduces transportation emissions.
Choosing organic rocket from local farms during the spring and autumn ensures the best flavor and supports sustainable agricultural practices.
🔄 Substitutions & Alternatives
For a similar peppery bite, watercress is an excellent substitute. For a milder salad green, baby spinach or a mesclun mix can be used.
In a pesto, rocket can be substituted with basil for a more traditional flavor, or with other greens like kale for a different twist.
🔪 Recommended Tools
A salad spinner is the most essential tool for rocket. It allows you to wash the leaves thoroughly to remove grit and then dry them completely, which is critical for storage and for helping dressings adhere properly.
💡 Pro Tips
♻ Waste Reduction
If your rocket is on the verge of spoiling, blend it into a pesto with nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil. The strong flavor of the rocket stands up well, and the pesto can be frozen for later use.
✨ How to Revive It
To crisp up wilted rocket, submerge the leaves in a bowl of ice-cold water for about 15-30 minutes. The leaves will rehydrate and become crisp again. Be sure to dry them thoroughly before serving.
❓ FAQ
A: Yes, they are different names for the same leafy green. “Rocket” is commonly used in the UK and Australia, while “arugula” is the standard term in North America.
A: This flavor comes from glucosinolates, the same sulfur-containing compounds found in mustard greens and radishes. The flavor can be more intense in mature leaves or when grown in hot weather.
A: The key is to keep it dry. Store it in the refrigerator with a paper towel in the bag or container to wick away any condensation.
A: Many food safety experts, including the CDC, recommend giving all packaged greens a final rinse at home as an extra safety measure against potential contaminants.
A: Yes, even brief cooking or wilting will significantly mellow the sharp, peppery flavor of rocket, making it taste milder and sweeter.
A: No, rocket is a member of the Brassicaceae family, making it a cruciferous vegetable related to cabbage, broccoli, and mustard, not lettuce.
A: Yes, its peppery flavor can add an interesting kick to a green smoothie. Pair it with sweet fruits like pineapple or mango to balance its flavor.
A: Rocket’s bold flavor pairs well with simple, acidic dressings. A classic choice is a lemon vinaigrette with olive oil, salt, and pepper, often served with shaved Parmesan cheese.
A: “Roquette” is the French name for the green, from which the English name “rocket” is derived.
A: Yes, rocket is a very fast-growing and easy-to-grow green for home gardens. It prefers cool weather and can be ready to harvest in just a few weeks.