The rocket leaves, otherwise called baby roca, arugula, are a well known verdant green vegetable with a peppery flavor. They are often used in salads, pizza, sandwiches, and wraps, but can also be cooked and added to stir-fries, soups, and stews.
Also rocket leaves are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, calcium, folate, and vitamin C and rocket leaves likewise low in calories and fat.
Uses
Salads: This leaf is a popular addition to salads, as they add a peppery flavor and a bit of texture. 
Pizza: Also, this leaf peppery garnish and add a fresh touch to pizza’s art.
Sandwiches and wraps: It can be added to sandwiches and wraps for a fresh and flavorful twist.
Soups and stews: It can be cooked and added to soups and stews for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
Stir-fries: This leaf can be added to stir-fries at the end of cooking for a quick and easy way to add some extra greens to your meal.
Pesto sauce: Also, this leaf can be used to make a delicious and nutritious pesto. To make rocket pesto, simply combine rocket leaves, Parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and salt and pepper in a food processor and blend until smooth.
Health benefits of Rocket leaves
This leaf offers a variety of health benefits, including:
- Improved heart health: It is a good source of dietary nitrates, which can help to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.
- Reduced cancer risk: It contain antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of cancer.
- Improved bone health: It is a good source of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health.
- Improved digestion: It contain good source of fiber, which can help to improve digestion.
- Stronger immune system: Also, it has source of vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system.
Calories
This leaf contains low-calorie. One cup of rocket leaves contains approximately 5 calories.
Nutrition facts
One cup of Rocket leaves contains approximately:
- Calories: 5
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fiber: 0.5 grams
- Vitamin K: 100% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Calcium: 4% of the DV
- Folate: 4% of the DV
- Vitamin C: 4% of the DV
How to choose and store
When choosing these leaves, look for greens that are bright and crisp. Avoid greens that are wilted or yellowed.
This leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To store rocket leaves, simply wash them thoroughly and pat them dry. Then, place the leaves in a plastic bag or container and refrigerate.
Conclusion
These leaves are a delicious and nutritious leafy green vegetable that can be used in a variety of ways. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and they offer a variety of health benefits. If you are looking for a healthy and flavorful addition to your diet, rocket leaf is a great option.
Here are some additional recipes that you can make with rocket leaves:
- rocket leaf salad with avocado and feta: Combine rocket leaves, avocado, feta cheese, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl and toss to combine.
- rocket leaf pesto pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, make rocket leaf pesto by combining rocket leaves, Parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and salt and pepper in a food processor and blending until smooth. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the pesto. Toss to combine and serve.
- rocket leaf smoothie: Combine rocket leaves, banana, yogurt, and milk in a blender and blend until smooth.
