DiscoverThe Origin of Arugula Plant A Historical Perspective
Arugula, also known as rocket or roquette, has become a popular leafy green in kitchens around the world. But where did this versatile vegetable originate? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating history and spread of arugula across continents and cultures over time.
Native to the Mediterranean
Arugula is native to the Mediterranean region, including parts of southern Europe and western Asia. Some of the earliest known cultivation of arugula dates back to ancient Egyptian times, where it was grown for its perceived health and medicinal properties. From Egypt, arugula spread to ancient Rome and Greece, where it became a common ingredient in everyday meals. The ancient Romans believed arugula had aphrodisiac effects, with famous writers like Virgil and Pliny the Elder referencing these qualities in their works.
During the Middle Ages, arugula cultivation flourished in the Middle East and parts of Europe. In England and other northern European countries arugula waned in popularity during the 19th century though it remained a diet staple in Italy. The Italians never lost their taste for the flavorful leaf, using it in salads, on pizzas, and as a complement to pasta dishes.
Journeys Across Oceans
Arugula made its way from Europe to the Americas in the 17th and 18th centuries, carried by British and French colonists to their new settlements. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that arugula really took off in the United States, becoming trendy in high-end restaurants and tapped into the burgeoning foodie culture. Today, arugula is grown around the world from Japan to Australia and available in most grocery stores.
So what accounts for arugula’s rapid spread? Firstly, it’s a versatile vegetable that adds a peppery kick to dishes. The leaves have a distinct mustard-like flavor that livens up salads, pastas, pizzas, sandwiches, and more. Arugula is also prized for its nutritional profile, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. The greens are full of antioxidants and considered a nutrient-dense choice. Lastly, arugula is relatively easy to cultivate in home gardens and adapts well to various climates and growing conditions. For all these reasons, arugula has earned a place in cuisines across cultures.
Tracing the History
Let’s take a closer look at some key moments in the history of this beloved leafy green:
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Ancient Egyptians cultivated arugula for its perceived health benefits as early as the 6th century BC. Records indicate it was eaten for its aphrodisiac properties and used to aid digestion.
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Ancient Romans like Pliny the Elder wrote about arugula, touting it as an aphrodisiac and anesthetic. Virgil’s poems also reference arugula as having sensual properties.
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The Bible mentions arugula in 2 Kings 4:39, indicating its presence in the Middle East dating back thousands of years.
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During the Middle Ages, arugula was widely grown in the Middle East, Italy, France, England and parts of Asia.
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In England and Northern Europe, arugula’s popularity declined drastically in the 19th century.
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Italian cuisine kept arugula as a common ingredient even when it fell out of favor elsewhere.
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Arugula came to the Americas with colonists in the 1600s and 1700s but didn’t gain widespread popularity until the 1990s.
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In the 1990s and early 2000s, arugula became a trendy ingredient in upscale restaurants and a poster child for the new American foodie culture.
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Today arugula is grown globally and accessible in most grocery stores, farmers markets, and home gardens.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
It’s not just the zesty flavor that makes arugula so popular. This leafy green packs a big nutritional punch, especially when harvested young and fresh.
Some of arugula’s health benefits include:
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High in vitamins A, C, and K. Just one cup contains over 100% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin K.
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Excellent source of folate, iron, and calcium, especially important nutrients for pregnant women.
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Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to boost your immune system and overall health.
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Compounds called glucosinolates that may help prevent cancer by inhibiting tumor growth.
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Nitrates that convert to nitric oxide, improving blood flow and heart health.
Nutritional content can vary slightly depending on where arugula is grown and the soil conditions. But generally arugula offers a powerhouse combination of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits in each leafy bite. It’s no wonder health-conscious eaters have embraced this superfood green.
From Ancient Medicine to Modern Marvel
Arugula’s history stretches back millennia to ancient civilizations around the Mediterranean where it was first cultivated. While falling out of favor across Europe for a time, arugula has reemerged as a beloved culinary staple and nutritional powerhouse. With its addictive peppery zing and hearty nutrient profile, arugula has earned its place as a go-to green for salads, pastas, pizza and more. Next time you enjoy some arugula, think back on its epic journey across cultures and continents over thousands of years.
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Why arugula/rocket is the way it is
FAQ
Where did arugula originate?
Is arugula mentioned in the Bible?
Is arugula natural or man-made?
Why do British people call arugula rocket?
Who invented arugula?
In the world of plants, few have such a long and noble history as arugula. Eruca, as the Romans called it, was first recorded unequivocally by Pliny the Elder in Historia Naturalis, compiled in the First Century A.D. But it’s known he worked from many older works that are no longer in existence — and arugula was clearly known long before that.
Where did arugula grow?
Meanwhile, it was found across the Mediterranean world – from gardens in France under Charlemagne to its native habitat in the Middle East. Across this area, arugula found its way into soups, stews and other dishes; contemporary writers noted that the plant was frequently consumed in Egypt and the Levant.
Does arugula flower?
Arugula, or roquette, flowers (Eruca vesicaria subspecies sativa). To deter herbivores, arugula leaves become extremely bitter and unpalatable when the plant begins flowering. Arugula, or roquette (Eruca vesicaria subspecies sativa), a pungent edible herb. The plant initially forms a basal rosette of smooth to lobed leaves.
Why is arugula so popular?
Arugula, also known as salad rocket, is a leafy green plant that has seen a surge in popularity in recent years due to its unique taste and nutritional benefits. But how did it become so widely spread throughout different parts of the world?