arugula

An herb with a with a peppery mustard flavor. The smooth dark green spiky leaves resemble dandelion leaves, and it is sold loose or banded in bunches. Younger, smaller arugula is milder tasting and less bitter. Arugula has traditionally been used in Italian cuisines. It's gaining popularity as an ingredient in fresh salads, but is also good with cheeses, sandwiches, chicken and tuna salads, egg dishes, pasta and tomato dishes, and sautéd vegetables.
Also called Rockette or Rocket in other countries

Ingredient

Season: available year-round

How to select: Found in specialty markets or large supermarkets in bunches in the produce section. Leaves should be bright green.

How to store: Store in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

How to prepare: Prone to pick up lots of sand, arugula should be soaked and washed throughly to remove the grit.

Matches well with: avocado, butter, blue cheese, garlic, lemon, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pasta, pears, pecans, pine nuts, potatoes, walnuts

Substitutions: Watercress, baby spinach, endive, dandelion greens, radicchio