The herbaceous annual plant arugula (Eruca sativa), or indau, or mustard grass, or rocket lettuce, or caterpillar seed, or arugula, or eruca, is a member of the genus Indau of the Brassica family. Under natural conditions, it is found in Asia (in India, as well as from Asia Minor to Central Asia), in Central and Southern Europe, and also in northern Africa. Arugula is widely cultivated in Italy, but it is also popular in other countries, for example, in America and the northern part of Europe. For a long time, this culture was considered an aphrodisiac, and the first mention of it dates back to the first century BC. In Egypt, arugula was added to pea and bean dishes to improve their taste, while in Ancient Rome it was used as a spice, adding to meat and vegetable dishes. To date, scientists have found that this plant has unique medicinal properties.
Types and varieties of arugula
Arugula is divided into 2 varieties: annual and biennial. The second type is quite popular, as it tolerates winter well and produces lush greenery in the warm season.
The most famous variety is Solitaire, which reaches a height of 20 centimeters. The taste of the plant is spicy, giving off nuts and mustard.
Solitaire matures in 30-40 days. Caring for arugula Solitaire will not take much effort, because this variety is easy to plant and grow.
Description of annual indau species:
- Cupid's arrows. The average ripening period is 30-38 days;
- Rocket. Ripens much faster, in just 20-26 days;
- Victoria. This type of arugula is very healthy, because it has a huge amount of vitamins and minerals;
- Olivetta. An early variety of plant that is ready for consumption already on the 20-25th day of ripening.
This is not the entire list of types; it does not include Spartak, Curiosity, and Poker. Not every gardener knows so many varieties of arugula, so Solitaire and Cupid's arrows are considered the most famous.
Potential health hazards
Arugula is a healthy product for the body, but in some cases it can be potentially hazardous to health.
This primarily applies to people taking blood thinning medications (for example, Warfarin). Compared to medications from this group, vitamin K, which affects blood clotting, is not the most desirable. Namely, this component is found in large quantities in arugula. The second danger of a vegetable may be associated with improper cultivation or storage (using chemicals). The sap of the caterpillar can accumulate dangerous substances contained in the soil. In addition, the spicy taste of greens may cause throat irritation in some people, and swelling, abdominal cramps, and difficulty digesting food may occur in those with allergies. It is undesirable to abuse this vegetable for people with kidney disease, gastritis accompanied by increased stomach acidity, and gout [8].
Planting arugula for seedlings
When is the best time to plant arugula seeds? The optimal time of year depends on the climatic conditions of the region. In Moscow and the Moscow region, it will be necessary to plant in April. In colder cities - March 1-10.
Before growing, it is necessary to prepare for planting arugula. There are 2 types of cultivation: seedlings and non-seedlings.
The substrate is suitable for soil in which indau will continue to grow and develop. But, before transplanting seedlings into the soil, it must be disinfected.
The land where you plan to grow arugula must be heated in an oven or filled with boiling water. By the way, specialized stores already sell ready-made soil.
Let's start landing:
- Before sowing, the seeds must be soaked for several hours in a weak solution of manganese;
- Next, fill the container or any box with substrate, 10 centimeters;
- Place the seeds of the future arugula on top (the distance from each is at least 1 cm);
- Next comes a 1 centimeter layer of sand. This box will need to be installed in a sunny place (open);
Greenery shoots can begin within a week or even earlier. It is necessary to thoroughly water and loosen the substrate so that the seeds germinate simultaneously. As you can see, growing arugula is a very interesting and easy process.
Brief description of cultivation
- Landing . Sowing seeds in open soil is carried out in April, and for seedlings - in the first days of March. Seedlings are planted in open ground in April.
- Illumination . In the morning it needs diffused light, and in the afternoon it needs shade.
- Soil . It should be nutritious, not too dry, neutral or slightly alkaline.
- Watering . It needs regular, frequent watering; make sure that the soil on the site is always slightly moist (not soggy). During dry and hot periods, you need to water every day.
- Fertilizer . There is no need to feed, but during the season the surface of the bed is mulched several times with a layer of old peat or humus.
- Reproduction . Seeds.
- Harmful insects . Cabbage moths and cruciferous flea beetles.
- Diseases . Fusarium and peronospora.
- Properties. This plant is classified as dietary; it contains a large amount of biologically active substances and vitamins.
Landing in the ground
The rules and scheme for sowing arugula are as follows:
- In April, when the air temperature is approximately 8-10 degrees, you need to start planting the plant;
- The planting area should be illuminated, but not too much, so that the sun does not burn the young plant. The optimal soil for planting is slightly alkaline. It is best to plant arugula next to potatoes, carrots and tomatoes;
- Provided that the seedlings were grown in peat pots, then they need to be planted directly into them (optional). If boxes were used, then you need to remove the arugula along with the lump of earth in which the roots grow;
Use in cooking
In cooking, arugula can be used like parsley or cilantro. It remains tasty both fresh and boiled. Pairs well with other vegetables, pasta, and is suitable for soups, casseroles, omelettes, sauces, sandwiches, and cold appetizers. The taste of arugula is well emphasized by tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, cheese, and garlic. In many recipes, spinach, chard or watercress can be replaced with arugula without damage - the result is a more aromatic and spicy dish. Salads made from this vegetable go well with meat and fish. And in Slovenia, for example, arugula is traditionally served with boiled potatoes or cheese, and is also used to make soups. Italians traditionally combine these greens with Parmesan.
Arugula salad
To prepare this snack you will need arugula, beets, goat cheese, walnuts, a little lemon juice and coconut oil, a spoonful of honey, black pepper and sea salt. Cool the boiled beets, peel and cut into small slices. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix.
How to care after sowing and planting?
Care and watering
This greenery is unpretentious and only needs regular watering, weeding and loosening. You need to water arugula often, but make sure that the soil is never dry. After watering, it is advisable to loosen the soil.
Top dressing
Arugula does not need additional nutrition. Everything the plant needs is in the soil. But it wouldn’t hurt to fertilize it with peat or humus once a year. This will help the vegetation retain its taste and color.
Compound
An inconspicuous-looking plant pleases not only with its unusual taste, but also with a rich set of valuable substances. Fresh leaves have a unique composition that allows you to quickly replenish nutrient deficiencies. They contain alkaloids, flavonoids, a lot of potassium, magnesium, large amounts of calcium, phosphorus. The seeds contain fatty oil and essential oil - the one that gives a specific smell.
The leading microelements are manganese and iron, with selenium, zinc, and copper present. The shoots are rich in beta-carotene and folic acid. They contain a lot of ascorbic acid, B vitamins, nicotinic acid, but most of all vitamin K. Just 100 grams provide more than 90% of the daily requirement for this substance.
Until the 20th century, it was almost not studied by science, and wild greens were collected for culinary purposes.
Low calorie content makes arugula a valuable ingredient in dietary menus. Due to its high fiber content, it quickly saturates the body, so it is of interest to those who want to lose excess weight.
Growing arugula on a windowsill
If you love fresh and juicy greens even in winter, but you don’t trust store-bought products. Then you can grow arugula at home on the windowsill. Be sure to choose a window on the sunny side of the house.
The soil can be bought ready-made in a specialized store. But it will be better if you prepare the land yourself. To do this, you need to mix turf soil, humus and sand in a ratio of 2:2:1. It is important not to forget to disinfect the finished soil in an oven or with hot water.
A lot of gardeners grow plants directly in boxes under ultraviolet lamps. But arugula in pots will decorate the interior. Look at the beautiful photos of arugula posted by ardent gardeners who grow the plant at home.
How to plant a plant at home yourself:
- Prepare a pot or box;
- Fill the container with drainage (sand, broken bricks or pebbles). 2-3 centimeters will be enough. This will allow water not to linger in the soil;
- Pour moistened substrate over the drainage;
- We stick the seeds into it with a small distance from each other.
It's quite simple. Now all that remains is to regularly water the plant and constantly give it sunlight. It is important not to forget about caring for arugula, otherwise it will wilt.
Caring for Arugula
After germination, a period of caring for young plants begins. The development of plants and the yield of Arugula greatly depend on the correctness and timeliness of care.
How to water
In order for Arugula to form a powerful above-ground part, it is necessary that the soil is constantly moist. In this regard, it is recommended to water at least 3-4 times a week. The optimal watering volume is 20-24 liters. per 1 m2. If hot weather sets in, watering should be carried out daily with a volume of 20 liters. per 1 m2. When Arugula ceases to receive the required amount of moisture, the castings acquire a bitter taste and become unsuitable for consumption.
Despite the increased moisture-loving nature of the plant, there is no need to allow water to stagnate on the soil surface.
How to Harvest Arugula
It is very important to collect Arugula on time. Delay in harvesting leads to the fact that the plant castings turn yellow and acquire a bitter taste. The main sign for the start of harvesting is the length of the leaf, which should be about 10 cm. During the harvesting process, large rosettes are cut off completely. On other bushes, the leaves are partially cut out.
The harvested crop can be eaten fresh or stored in the refrigerator. In the latter option, before storing, wrap the bunches of leaves in cling film. This will allow the greens to last longer.
Top dressing
After the emergence of seedlings, you need to carry out the first fertilizing, for which you use a solution of ammonium nitrate (12-15 g per 11-12 liters of water). Consumption rate – 2-3 l. per 1 m2. After 12-14 days, the plants should be fertilized with a solution of chicken manure. Take 1 l. fermented chicken manure and dissolve it in 12 liters. water. The resulting solution is watered between the rows at the rate of 3-4 liters. per 1 m2. For better absorption of applied fertilizers by plants, it is necessary to carry out abundant watering after each feeding. We wrote in this article how to properly use bird droppings.
Pests and diseases
To avoid arugula disease, it is necessary to constantly remove dead and wilted leaves. Wilting indicates that the plant may have become infected with downy mildew or fusarium (yellowing of leaves).
The most harmful parasites are cruciferous fleas, which are very fond of cabbage crops, including arugula. To protect against fleas, tobacco dust, ash and ground red pepper are suitable.
Use in cosmetology
Best materials of the month
- Coronaviruses: SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
- Antibiotics for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19: how effective are they?
- The most common "office" diseases
- Does vodka kill coronavirus?
- How to stay alive on our roads?
This plant contains many components that are beneficial for skin and hair. In addition to antioxidant vitamins that rejuvenate skin and restore hair, arugula contains the substance diindolylmethane. This component is well known in cosmetology, as it is used to treat warts and papillomas. The juice of the plant moisturizes and tightens the skin, evens out its tone, removes dark spots and spider veins, soothes irritation and inflammation, and moisturizes flaky areas.
In addition to juice, arugula oil is also beneficial for hair. It strengthens curls, stimulates their growth, and treats dandruff. Caterpillar-based masks are beneficial for hair damaged by dye or sun.
Photo of Arugula
What is arugula, subtleties of growing, care
What are yellow-green vegetables
dill, Chinese, Chinese and Japanese cabbage, mustard, watercress
Despite the fact that the listed plants belong to different families, they have much in common. They
Well, arugula is gradually occupying higher positions in this list thanks to its exquisite unusual taste and
Types of arugula, varieties for growing
several varieties: Gourmet, Curiosity, Corsica, Rococo, Little Mermaid, Sicily
The most tried and tested is Poker.
Poker
The fruit is an indehiscent pod containing about 30 seeds that remain viable for 4 years. Arugula develops in 75-90 days.
The benefits of arugula, wild arugula, breeding varieties
From the rank of restaurant greens
But there is also wild arugula (two-row thin-leaved), which is called wild rocket. She too
varieties Roket, Taganskaya Semko, Euphoria. The most fragrant Solitaire
The taste of Solitaire is mustard-nutty, sharper than that of Poker. And unlike the latter, this is a biennial. Its roots overwinter, produce new leaves in the spring, then open pods, as in the first year of life. Then the plant dies. Solitaire contains a lot of mustard oil, nitrogen and sulfur. This plant is tasty for humans, but harmful to insects.
Features of growing arugula
You can grow both of these types of arugula easily, literally effortlessly.
Arugula has small seeds, first they are sown in a glass to a depth of 0.5-1 cm. Mass shoots
Arugula prefers light soils with a slightly acidic reaction, so acidic soils must be limed. If you bring soil from your own plot for a winter vegetable garden on the window, the one taken from the garden bed is suitable for arugula.
Arugula blooms in long days and elevated temperatures. Withstands frosts down to minus 5-7°C.
Rucola does not like shade, although it can certainly tolerate it. If you feed it with nitrogen fertilizers in insufficient lighting, nitrates will accumulate and the chemical composition will change.
the taste will disappear
If the plants do not have enough moisture, the leaves become coarse and bitter, so regular watering is necessary. The sooner you start picking off the leaves, the faster the bush will grow. Growing up - when
It usually takes 20-35 days from full germination to the first cutting. The weight of a rosette of leaves can be 20-60 g depending on conditions. Greens can be stored in the refrigerator for about 7 days; before that, they must be sprinkled with water.
What to cook from arugula
Arugula greens
To excite passion, Italian chefs recommend this ancient potion: you need to crush 100 g of arugula and, adding 10 g of black pepper and honey, mix everything. Take a teaspoon every morning.
100 g of arugula contains: 15 mg of ascorbic acid, 1.8 mg of vitamin A, 48 mg of vitamin B9. The plant is rich
Arugula salad becomes much tastier if you put it in the refrigerator for 5-6 hours. Need to
Thanks to its biologically active substances, arugula has a beneficial effect on digestion and has
If you eat it regularly, immunity and hemoglobin increase, metabolism is normalized, and blood sugar levels decrease. It is believed that it is useful to eat it for the prevention of cancer.
Anatoly Tsiunel
bestgardener.ru
How to choose
The degree of freshness of arugula determines its taste characteristics and the abundance of useful components in it. When choosing a plant, pay attention to its appearance:
- limp leaves indicate withering of the plant and the loss of the lion's share of useful substances in the composition;
- yellow, pale leaves are a sign of improper storage and also loss of beneficial and taste qualities;
- small leaves taste bitter, large leaves are spicy.
The fresh plant has a rich green color. The leaves are strong, without signs of wilting or damage.
Possible harm and contraindications
In order not to harm the body, you should avoid arugula:
- with gastritis with high acidity, ulcers - due to the irritating effect on the mucous membrane, the course of the disease will worsen;
- with gout, the level of uric acid will increase;
- in case of diseases of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, the risk of stone formation and inflammation of organs increases;
- with pancreatitis - due to active and harsh oils, the disease will worsen.
An allergy to cruciferous plants is a direct contraindication to the use of the product. To test if you have an allergic reaction to arugula, you can rub a piece of the leaf on your forearm.
The presence of persistent redness for 10–12 hours will indicate food intolerance. This is rare - the plant is not a strong allergen.
If there are no contraindications, arugula can be eaten every day in moderation. It is difficult for her to get poisoned, but with daily excessive use it is possible. Complications will manifest themselves in the form of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, heartburn, and colitis. In this case, it is better to seek medical help.
About the benefits and harms of the plant, see the program:
Thin-leaved two-row
In the State Register of plant varieties suitable for distribution in Ukraine, there is only one variety of two-row thin-leaved plant - Gracia of Italian selection.
The Russian analogue contains 13 varieties, three of which are introduced in 2022.
Moskovskaya registered the mid-season variety Roket in 2006.
Rocket greens can be eaten after 28-30 days. The semi-raised rosette of leaves reaches a height of up to 60 cm and a weight of 15-20 g. The medium narrow leaves have a smooth surface, bright green color, dissected shape with teeth along the edge. The flower is light yellow. The greens have a strong aroma and a sharp mustard taste. Its yield is 1.5-2.5 kg/sq.m. m.
This early-ripening variety appeared in 2007 thanks to the Research Institute of Vegetable Growing on Protected Ground and Breeding and is quite popular.
Solitaire is a cold-resistant variety that can overwinter in open ground and produce greenery in early spring. Its ripening period is 25 days. The semi-raised rosette of leaves has a height of 18-20 cm and a plant weight of 15-20 g. The medium-sized leaves are green, lyre-shaped, with cuts along the edge. The flowers are yellow. The greens are very aromatic and have a strong nutty-mustard taste, the yield is 1.4-1.6 kg/sq. m. Can be grown by conveyor method during the summer.
Taganskaya Semko
The early ripening variety Taganskaya Semko was registered in 2006.
Greens are edible 20-25 days after sprouts appear. The semi-raised rosette, 15-20 cm high and weighing 20-25 g, consists of medium-sized dark green leaves with a smooth surface and serrated edges. The flower is light yellow. The greens have a strong aroma and pungent taste. Its yield is 1.3-1.5 kg/sq.m. m.
Registered in 2007 by the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Vegetable Growing.
Euphoria is a mid-season variety: 35-40 days pass from germination to the start of use. The plant is resistant to cold and drought, has a height of 23-25 cm and a weight of 30-40 g. The rosette of leaves is semi-raised. The smooth, wavy-notched leaves are green in color and medium in size, the flowers are yellow. Green yield – 3.2 kg/sq. m.
Cupid's arrows
The mid-season variety of Russian selection was included in the register of varieties in 2011 agro.
The plant retains commercial quality for a long time and bolts late. From germination to suitability for food, 35-38 days pass. The plant grows up to 20-25 cm in height. Weight – 35-38 g. The rosette of leaves is semi-raised, and the leaves are medium-sized, wavy-notched, green. The flowers are yellow. The yield of greens is 2.6-2.8 kg/sq.m. m.
This early-ripening variety of Russian selection appeared in 2011 thanks to.
“Wild arugula” Olivetta is distinguished by its rapid growth: in 20-25 days the greens can be consumed. It grows up to 20-25 cm in height, the plant weight is 20-25 g. The green, heavily dissected leaves have a pungent taste and strong aroma. Olivetta flowers are light yellow, the seeds are light brown, very small. The yield of greens is 1.3-1.5 kg/sq. m. Just a few years ago, arugula was a curiosity, but today seeds of many varieties are on sale, and this list will increase as breeding work is carried out and the greens market expands. If you are interested in growing a new crop or are a fan of arugula, you are sure to find a variety that suits your taste.
Arugula in the plant system
Arugula is found wild in the Russian Federation in the European part, in the foothills of Dagestan and the Caucasus. Under natural conditions, it prefers dry, light, loose soil.
In different countries of the world it is called differently: rocket salad, rauca, rocca, rocket, arugula, rugola, rugetta, gulavnik, indau, eruka. In the Russian Federation, it is more often called caterpillar, indau sowing, and in some regions - wild mustard. In the plant system, arugula belongs to the Cabbage family (Brassicaceae). International scientific name Eruca sativa.
Arugula is a very interesting plant. Under the market name “Rukola” there are two types of salad:
- arugula (Eruca sativa), botanical name indau sativa , or caterpillar, or arugula (Eruca vesicaria).
- wild arugula, or botanical name for duplotaxis tenuifolia.
Both types have an attractive taste, giving dishes a subtle nutty-mustard aroma. At a quick glance they look very similar, but they are still two different plants.
Species differences
Varieties of garden arugula, or indau, are annual plants. A distinctive feature is the lyre-shaped shape of the lower leaves with a jagged, sometimes smooth edge. Flowers in a sparse long cluster of light colors (white, cream, yellowish, with purple streaks). The leaves are characterized by a spicy-pungent taste with a mustard note. The seeds in the pods are arranged in 2 rows, similar to mustard seeds.
Wild arugula, or two-row thin-leaved arugula, is a perennial. Tall plants, up to 70 cm, are prone to lodging. A distinctive feature is the shape of the leaf blade of the lower rosette leaves: narrow, long, strongly dissected. The leaves have a sharper taste than those of annual indau. The flowers are also arranged in long, loose racemes, but the color of the corolla petals is yellow, turning into orange. The seeds in the pods are very small (like poppy seeds), arranged in 2 rows. Fans of dishes with a spicy taste prefer wild arugula varieties.
In the Russian Federation, garden arugula, or indau sativa (Erica sativa), is more common. Breeders have bred more than 30 varieties suitable for cultivation in different regions of Russia.
Wild arugula, or two-row thin-leaved (Diplotaxis tenuifolia). © Rasbak
Botanical description of arugula
Indau (arugula) is a 40-60 cm plant with a straight, branched, slightly pubescent stem. Tap root. The leaves are basal and form a rosette. They are slightly thickened and covered with hairs. They have a spicy-pepper taste with a residual mustard aftertaste. The shape of the leaf blade depends on the variety and type of arugula. The lower leaves are elongated, obovate with a rugged leaf blade, dissected into lyre-shaped or toothed lobes on long petioles. The edges of the leaf blade can be jagged, with a smooth or wavy edge.
Arugula blooms in May–July. The inflorescence is a long, loose raceme. The flowers are small, of different shades: white, white-pink, yellowish. Corolla petals with purple veins. They are ovoid in shape. The fruit is an oblong pod on thickened short stalks. Inside the pod, the seeds are arranged in 2 rows, compressed oval or rounded oval. The color is light brown, light brown. Reminds me of mustard seeds.
