Learn How to Cook & Grow Rocket Leaves (or arugula) at Home.

If you have ever tried rocket leaves, you would know how good they are. They are popularly known as arugula in the US. Rocket leaves/arugula is rich in nutrients but every time you go to the grocery store, you find that the leaves are wilted and brown. This blog will show you how arugula rocket leaves grow and how to save the rocket plant and use them for cooking.

What are Rocket Leaves?

Rocket leaves, also known as arugula leaves, are a type of leafy green vegetable that belongs to the Brassica family, which also includes cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and kale. The scientific name for rocket leaves is Eruca sativa. Rocket leaves are a popular ingredient in salads and are often used as a garnish. They have a slightly spicy flavor and are rich in vitamins and minerals. Rocket leaves are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and magnesium. Rocket leaves are easy to grow and are often grown in home gardens. They can be harvested when they are young and tender, or allowed to mature and used as a cooked green.

How to grow rocket leaves?

Rocket is easy to grow in your garden, but you need to know how to grow rocket leaves if you want to enjoy the fresh rocket taste of this nutritious vegetable all year long. If you want to grow rocket leaves, here are some simple steps to follow:

To get started, you’ll need some rocket seeds and a pot or container for them to grow in.
Fill your pot or container with a quality potting mix, and sow your seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
Water well and place in a sunny spot. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and within a few weeks, you should see your rocket leaves start to sprout.
Once your plants are a few inches tall, you can thin them out to give them more room to grow.
When the leaves are big enough to eat, cut them off at the base of the plant.
Rocket lettuce is best used fresh, but you can store them in the fridge for a few days if necessary.
Enjoy your homegrown rocket leaves in salads, on sandwiches, or simply sautéed with a little olive oil.

How to cook rocket leaves?

Rocket leaves are a great addition to any dish. They’re rich in iron, which helps your body absorb more iron from other foods. Here’s how to cook rocket leaves:

Rinse the rocket leaves in cold water and then spin them dry in a salad spinner.
Place the rocket leaves in a large mixing bowl.
Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mix everything until the leaves are evenly coated.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Place the rocket leaves on the grill, making sure not to overcrowd the grill grates.
Grill the leaves for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are slightly wilted and have grill marks.
Remove the leaves from the grill and serve immediately. Have fun!

Different recipes to try with Rocket Leaves?

Rocket leaves, also known as arugula, are a versatile and tasty green that can be used in a variety of recipes. Here are a few different ideas to try with this flavorful leaf:

For a simple and healthy side dish, mix rocket salad leaves with some lemon juice and olive oil. This makes a great accompaniment to fish or chicken.
For a more substantial meal, add rocket leaves to a pasta dish or a salad. They work well with other strong flavors, such as garlic, Parmesan cheese, and balsamic vinegar.
Chicken wrap with rocket: Wrap chicken, rocket leaves, and other desired fillings in a tortilla wrap.
If you’re looking for a unique way to use rocket leaves, try them in pesto. This can be used as a spread on sandwiches or as a dipping sauce for bread or vegetables.

These are just a few ideas – get creative and see what other delicious dishes you can make with rocket leaves! Whatever recipe you choose, rocket salad is sure to add a zesty flavor to your meal. So next time you’re looking to mix things up, give them a try!

When are Rocket Leaves Ready To Pick and Eat?

Rocket leaves are usually ready to pick and eat four weeks after sowing. However, this can vary depending on the variety of rockets, the growing conditions, and when the leaves are harvested. Rocket leaves are best picked when they are young and tender. If they are left to grow too big, they can become tough and bitter. To check if they are ready, simply press down on a leaf with your finger. If it feels soft, it is ready to eat. Enjoy your roquette leaves fresh from the garden!

How much sunlight does Rocket leaves (or arugula) need for growth?

Arugula is a fast-growing, cool-weather crop that thrives in full sun. The more sunlight arugula receives, the more flavorful it will be. Arugula leaf needs at least six hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth. If you live in an area with long, hot summers, however, you may need to provide some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from getting too bitter. Arugula lettuce will do best in rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

Conclusion

So there you have it, our guide on how to grow rocket leaves at home. We hope you’ve found this article to be helpful and that you’ve learned a few things along the way. We’re always excited to share our knowledge and experiences with our community, so if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

FAQs

What are rocket leaves good for?

Rocket leaves are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron and folic acid. They also contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Some studies have shown that consuming rocket leaves may help to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

What is arugula?

Arugula is a leafy green vegetable that is commonly used in salads. It has a slightly peppery flavor and is high in vitamins A and C. Arugula is a good source of folic acid and calcium, and it is also a low-calorie food.

What are rocket leaves called in India?

In India, rocket leaves are called gargeer, which is arugula in Hindi.

What is rocket lettuce in English?

Rocket lettuce is a leafy green vegetable that is also known as arugula in English.

Do rocket leaves contain iron?

Yes, rocket leaves do contain iron. A 100g serving of rocket leaves contains 1.5mg of iron, which is a significant amount of this essential mineral. Iron is important for many bodily functions, including the transport of oxygen in the blood and the production of energy. So, if you’re looking for food that can help boost your energy levels and improve your overall health, then you should consider adding rocket leaves to your diet.