Arugula is a variety of herb belonging to the mustard family, related to watercress and radishes. They are characteristic of a hot, peppery taste that diners have been enjoying for centuries. It is native to the Mediterranean region, and was first cultivated by farmers of the the Roman Empire. The Romans not only ate it as a food, but also used it in the creation of medicines and aphrodisiacs. In the modern day, it remains a big part of traditional Italian cooking.
Nutritionally speaking, arugula has many benefits as a salad ingredient. Compared to the more common iceberg lettuce, this herb contains about five times the vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K content, as well as about four times the iron content and eight times the calcium. It also contains a healthy dose of folate and copper.
At Amaro Bistro in Bothell, you can experience the taste of arugula in the form of our insalata barbabieotola, made with roasted beets, hazelnuts, and grapefruit. Come and try it for yourself tonight!