Wild rocket

Roquette sauvage

What it is

Salad rocket is an annual Eruca; this is a Diplotaxis, a perennial in a different genus, with a narrow deeply cut leaf and several times the mustard oil. It is what rucola usually means on an Italian menu, and it is why the leaf goes onto the pizza after the oven rather than before.

In the kitchen

Use it as a seasoning, not a base: a small torn handful through milder leaves, or scattered on hot food at the last second. Residual plate heat wilts it in about ten seconds and takes the pungency with it, so it goes on after the plate is dressed.

Goes with

Parmesan Olive oil Lemon Bresaola Pear Walnut Balsamic vinegar

Also used with

Squacquerone di Romagna

In season alongside

Mustard greens Rocket Bagnoli truffle Water pepper (tade / benitade) Black radish Epazote

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