Rocket is the young leaves of mustard greens. Edible salad rocket is known by many different names: Eruca sativa, salad rocket, rucola, rucoli, rugula, colewort, roquette and arugula. The young leaves are widely used in salads and as a garnish. Rocket can also be steamed or used to add flavour to mashed-potato dishes. Rocket has a peppery, nutty taste and is a little bitter. If you love rocket, it is a great plant to grow yourself because the leaves re-grow quickly after picking. Rocket can sometimes be bought as a head of lettuce but it is mainly available in supermarkets as pre-washed bagged lettuce.
How to prepare
What should you pay attention to when cleaning and preparing rocket?
Rinsing under running water is sufficient.
Buyer's and storage guide
You should preferably buy rocket leaves that are firm, small and dark green in colour. If you are buying pre-washed bagged rocket from the supermarket, check the best-before date.
How should you store rocket?
Rocket can be kept for 3 to 4 days in the fridge (in an airtight container) or for 1-2 days when stored in a cool place (12-15°C).
