I remember when I moved to the US back in 2010, I loved to visit libraries (Acted like I understand English), until the librarian approached, and I said:” Uhhhh…no English!”
I left the library and I went to the fresh market. I noticed that the farmers had a lot of spinach, kale, and arugula for sale. So I called my mom, who was at that time back home and I said: “Mom, there are two types of Americans some eat burgers everyday, and some eat leaves!”
Today, my kids and I went to the fresh market and got some arugula.
What is arugula?
Arugula is a peppery, distinctive-tasting green that originated in the Mediterranean region. It’s also known as rucola, salad rocket, and Italian cress. Arugula is a member of the Brassica, or Cruciferous, family. This classification includes mostly cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/arugula
P.S. I am from the Mediterranean region…and we don’t eat arugula there…shame!
What are the benefits of arugula?
Arugula is full of antioxidants — compounds that can protect against or reverse damage to your cells.
Arugula also has glucosinolates. These natural substances, which give arugula its bitter taste and strong scent, may protect you against certain cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers. Arugula may also fight inflammation. It has ample vitamin K, which is good for your bones and may help prevent osteoporosis. https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/benefits-arugula
Today, I made arugula salad with sun dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, parmesan cheese, and I made my own vinaigrette with olive oil, squeezed lemon, and salt.
Directions:
In a bowl, mix the arugula (washed) with salt, squeeze the lemon, and add olive oil. Add on top the sun dried tomato, Kalamata olives and parmesan cheese. Et voila! Bonne Appetit!
You can serve with your salad some grilled shrimp or chicken.
Since my kids don’t like to eat salads, I added the arugula to their smoothie, and they asked me why their smoothie is green, so I replied: “It is a super power green smoothie!”
I will share the arugula smoothie another time.
Peace!
Carolina Mom 