Rocket கீரை-அகுரோகுலா Roquette |
Tamil name | Keerai-AruKula கீரை-அகுரோகுலா
(Exact translation varies; commonly referred to as Salad Greens)
Botanical name | Eruca vesicaria
Other names | Arugula, Rucola, Ruccola
The commonly used names for this green in Auroville are Rucola or Arugula. This salad green is exotic to Tamil Nadu, and its exact introduction to Auroville remains unclear. If you have any insights about its history in Auroville, we would love to hear from you!
Season
The best season:
In Auroville, rucola grows very well between December and April. It can also be planted during the summer rains. Unlike lettuce, it germinates at higher temperatures and tolerates heat better. However, once the hot season arrives, it bolts and stops producing leaves.
Grow & Harvest
How to grow in your garden or balcony:
Soil and sun:
Well-drained, sandy loam or light soil enriched with organic matter. pH 6-7 is ideal. It prefers full sunlight but tolerates partial shade.
Planting:
Sow seeds directly in the garden, maintaining a spacing of 6–8 inches (15–20 cm), at a depth of 1/4 inch (0.6 cm), with germination taking 5–7 days.
Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water lightly daily or as needed, especially during hot days. Mulch the soil to retain moisture.
In a container:
Rucola grows very well in a container or in small pots on your balcony.
Harvest:
Harvest 30–40 days after sowing for baby leaves. Pick leaves individually, starting from the outer ones, or cut the plant 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) above the base for regrowth. Ruccola can flower prematurely in high heat, leading to bitter-tasting leaves.
Seeds
Let some plants grow until they flower, allow the flowers to dry out, and then carefully harvest the seeds for the next season.
Insects that love rucola
Common pests: aphids, flea beetles, caterpillars
Control: Use neem oil or organic insecticides. Introduce companion plants like marigold to repel pests. Regularly check for infestations.
Store & Preserve
Best ways to store and preserve:
Refrigeration:
To extend the freshness of the spinach, store it in the fridge. Wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and place them in a perforated plastic bag or a vegetable crisper drawer.
Freezing:
Freezing rucola is not ideal because its delicate leaves contain a high water content, which causes them to become wilted and mushy once thawed. However you can use the herb paste method (great for flavouring dishes): Blend rucola with oil into a paste. Freeze ice cube trays, then transfer cubes to a freezer bag. Use in pasta, soups, or dressings.
Drying:
Use a dehydrator or air-dry the leaves in a shaded, ventilated area. Crush and store in an airtight container.
Uses: Sprinkle in soups, pasta, or salads as a seasoning. Mix with dried basil, oregano, or thyme for a homemade herb blend. Add to smoothies or green powders for extra nutrition.
Pickling:
Can pickle rucola leaves with a vinegar solution for salads or toppings. Alternatively you can use the fermenting method. It preserves but also enhances its nutritional value by introducing gut-friendly probiotics. This method creates a slightly sour, tangy, and complex flavor, perfect for adding to salads, sandwiches, and grain bowls.
Prepare & Eat
How to prepare and eat rocket/rucola
Taste and Texture:
The taste is peppery, slightly bitter with a nutty undertone. Its texture is tender and crisp when fresh.
Cleaning:
Rinse the leaves thoroughly with cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Gently pat the leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Raw:
Mix rucola with other AV greens (lettuce, basil, chicken spinach …) for a balanced taste in your salad. Add to wraps, or sandwiches for a fresh, tangy flavour.
Cooked:
Sauté, stir-fry, or use in pasta, soups, and pizza topping. Cooking softens its peppery taste.
Health
Nutritional Values and Ayurvedic properties
Nutritional Values: Rich in Vitamin K, A, C, and calcium. High in antioxidants and fibre.
Ayurvedic Properties: Classified as a cooling (Sheetala) food. Helps improve digestion and detoxifies the liver.
