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Rocolla- Springs Robust Herb

Rocolla also known as arugula in Italy, rocket in English and roquette in France is an herb of the mustard family.   One of the most flavorful and versatile greens widely available to us today and very popular.  It’s an incredible addition to our spring menus and blends beautifully with spring timey foods!

Although today rocolla is thought of as a gourmet type green, the wild variety has been used since biblical times.  The ancient Romans used rocolla as a staple, to flavor olive oil and gave to their Roman soldiers to fight fatigue.   As far back as the first century, rocolla seed has been used as an ingredient in aphrodisiac mixtures.   Originating in the Middle East, and most commonly used in the Mediterranean, all the way from N. Africa to Portugal and east to Lebanon and Turkey.  Cultivated in the wild until the 1990’s, it is now widely grown and used in N. America and very popular in Italy as well, used in pasta sauces and on pizzas or even  in cheese burek in Slovenia.  Rocolla is also used to make an alcoholic drink called rucolino on the island of Ischia in Italy as a digestive aid and in India the seed is used to make oil.

Rocolla is in the Brassicaceae/Crucifera family, also known as the mustard and cabbage family.  It has more vitamin C and calcium than any salad green and even more calcium than kale, as well as being rich in potassium, vitamin A and folic acid.  It grows year around but notably in the spring and fall.  The spring crop tends to flower quickly and the edible flowers may be collected and used in salads as well as the young leaves that are tender and mild.  The fall is the time this herb tends to have the most leaf growth and the older leaves tend to have a more intense flavor and even slightly bitter which is good for sautéing or steaming.

Common varieties of rocolla usually fall under the Eruca sativa (garden variety ) and Diplotaxis (wild variety).  Roccolla falls under the wild variety, being more peppery and piquant.

Rocolla’s medicinal properties range from having anti-ulcer, antisecretory and cytoprotective and anti-cancer properties.

Rocolla is one of the best greens to include in variety of dishes hot or cold, both for its flavor and nutritional value.  It not only lends itself to a variety of dishes but is a great addition to diversifying one’s diet.