arugula
Various types of plants from the cruciferous family are traded as rocket (also rocket , rocket , arugula ) . Rocket is mainly grown as a salad plant. Originally known as rocket in German-speaking countries , but forgotten, the plants became popular again under their Italian name.
botany
Rucola is essentially understood to mean two, sometimes three species from two different genera :
- Garden mustard ( Eruca sativa ). She is the classic rocket. The plant is not only grown as a lettuce, but also to a lesser extent to extract oil from the seeds, hence the popular name oil rag .
- Narrow-leaved double seed ( Diplotaxis tenuifolia ). It has smaller leaves and a more intense flavor. The majority of the leaf products for salads offered in German-speaking countries come from this plant.
- Wall double seed ( Diplotaxis muralis ). There are isolated indications that this plant can be used like Diplotaxis tenuifolia .
history
The Senfrauke has been known as a useful plant since ancient times . It was already eaten in the Mediterranean region in Roman times and was even considered an aphrodisiac . In the Middle Ages, the rocket also came to Central Europe. The double seed also comes from the Mediterranean area. In contrast to the Senfrauke, however, it is better adapted to the climatic conditions in Central Europe and is also often found wild.
In Germany, arugula led a shadowy existence among salads until the end of the 20th century. Because of its pungent taste, it was not very popular. It was only the trend towards international and especially Mediterranean cuisine that led to its current popularity and general availability.
maintenance
Rucola prefers sandy-loamy soil in a sunny location. A good water supply is required, but waterlogging must not occur. A moist, loose soil keeps the rocket away from the fleas that occur in dry weather. Rucola can be sown in rows outdoors from the beginning of April to the beginning of September. The row spacing should be about 15 cm. The seeds are placed in grooves 1 cm deep, covered and well watered. In the greenhouse, arugula is a good post-crop.
use
The young leaves are used as a salad. Older leaves taste intense and pungent. They are used more as a seasoning herb. As the leaves bloom, they become too bitter to use.
For use as a salad, the basal leaves are harvested before the stem sprouts. The intense taste is reminiscent of cress and walnuts . Rocket is also used as a condiment, for example in pasta dishes, risotto , soups , ragouts , in pesto and on pizzas .
The addition of rocket in green salad is particularly typical of Tuscany . This is where the name rocket comes from . In other regions of Italy, rocket is often called differently, for example Ruchetta or Rughetta .
ingredients
Rocket has a high content of mustard oils ( isothiocyanates bound in the form of mustard oil glycosides ). These are decisive for the aromatic and bitter taste. Due to its very high iodine content , the consumption of arugula is recommended for those with hypothyroidism. The plant also has a high content of glucosinolates , beta-carotene and folic acid .
Similar to spinach or lettuce, the plant can under certain circumstances (including improper fertilization) accumulate nitrates to a particular extent, as samples from the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety have shown.
See also
Individual evidence
- ↑ rocket. In: K. Müllner. Retrieved June 7, 2009 .
- ↑ rocket. In: 5 a day. Archived from the original on October 23, 2007 ; Retrieved June 7, 2009 .
- ↑ Johannes Griffig: Nitrate in Rucola (German rocket). In: Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety. March 26, 2004, accessed December 12, 2010 .
Web links
- Rucola in the Hortipendium