Store arugula: How to keep it fresh for a long time

Arugula (Eruca sativa), or rocket, is a fine-crunchy, tender, vitamin-rich and slightly bitter salad that has long been considered a delicacy among vegetable lovers. However, after harvest or purchase, arugula, also known as rocket, should be used quickly. It tends to quickly become mushy or wilted. With these tips, you can store it for some days.

Preserve arugula: The most important facts in a nutshell

Arugula is a salad vegetable that can only be stored for a short time and is best used fresh. You can wrap the salad, when it is not cleaned, in newspaper and store it in this way in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator for two to three days. Or, you can clean the arugula, wash it in a bowl of cold water, drain it or spin it dry. Then place the lettuce in air-permeable plastic bags or damp kitchen towels. Also in this way, the rocket will keep for about two to three days in the refrigerator.

How long does arugula last?

Arugula, like other lettuces, should be processed relatively fresh. Whether harvested or purchased, it is optimal if you clean, wash and use the lettuce promptly. It will otherwise quickly lose nutrients and the leaves will wilt. If the harvest in the garden is more abundant, or you have bought too much, arugula can be stored unwashed or washed for about two to three days in the refrigerator.

What is the best way to store arugula?

There are two ways to store arugula: unwashed or cleaned and washed.

The simplest method is to place the fresh arugula, unwashed, in newspaper and store it wrapped like this in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator. Purchased arugula wrapped in plastic should be removed from its packaging and wrapped in the same way.

Another method is to first clean the lettuce, that is, remove any brown or wilted areas, wash it briefly with cold water, and then drain it on paper towels or spin it dry. You should then place the arugula in slightly damp kitchen paper. Alternatively, you can also use a plastic bag. Then poke a few holes in it with a fork beforehand.

Can arugula be frozen?

Arugula cannot be frozen because the leaves become too mushy and lose their flavor when thawed.

How healthy is arugula?

Arugula is one of the top lettuce varieties in terms of calcium, potassium and vitamin C content. Its mustard oils and bitter compounds not only provide slight pungency and a nutty flavor, they also aid digestion and strengthen the immune system.