Arugula

Arugula is an aromatic, peppery salad green. It is also known as roquette, rocket, rugula and rucola, and is very popular in Italian cuisine. It grows wild in Asia and all over the entire Mediterranean --- and has been known to be cultivated and enjoyed in places as exotic as the north of Sudan.

In Roman times arugula was grown for both its leaves and the seed. The seed was used for flavoring oils.

Arugula has uses beyond salad: it can be sauteed or cooked in many other ways. Don't forget to try arugula sprouts if you get a chance.