Arugula Microgreens

8–10

Days Seed to Harvest

Peppery

Flavor Profile

A+

Chef Suitability Rating

About This Variety

Arugula microgreens (also known as rocket) produce recognizable lobed leaves even at the cotyledon stage, distinguishing them visually from the flat, round leaves of most brassica microgreens. Their flavor is assertively peppery with a nutty, slightly bitter finish — essentially a distillation of mature arugula's most sought-after characteristics into a much smaller form. This intensity makes arugula the preferred microgreen for chefs who want a flavor statement, not just a visual garnish.

Flavor

Bold, peppery, nutty with a slight bitter finish — the most assertive of all brassica microgreens

Best For

Pizza, fatty fish, charcuterie, aged cheese, steak, tasting menu garnish

Shelf Life

6–9 days post-harvest at 34–38°F

Texture

Tender, slightly sturdy lobed leaves on thin stems — holds up to light heat and dressings

Plant Biology

The Botany of Arugula

Eruca vesicaria belongs to the Brassicaceae family. The seed is small and should be seeded densely without pre-soaking. The cotyledons develop a characteristic lobed or notched edge even in the micro stage — an unusual botanical trait that makes the microgreen visually identifiable. The essential oils (glucoerucin and gluconapin) responsible for arugula's flavor are concentrated in the cotyledon tissue at levels 3–5× higher than in mature leaves.

Taxonomy

Family	Brassicaceae
Scientific Name	Eruca vesicaria sativa
Common Names	Arugula, Eruca shoots
Stage Harvested	Cotyledon / First leaf

Nutritional Profile

Why Chefs & Nutritionists Love It

Arugula microgreens carry the distinctive glucosinolate profile of the species in highly concentrated form, along with notable vitamin K and folate levels.

⚡

Glucoerucin

The primary glucosinolate in arugula, converted to erucin isothiocyanate — shown in clinical research to have cancer-preventive and cardiovascular benefits.

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Vitamin K

One of the highest Vitamin K microgreens available — critical for blood clotting, bone metabolism, and cardiovascular function.

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Antioxidant Flavonoids

Rich in quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin — flavonoid antioxidants that support anti-inflammatory pathways and cellular protection.

Culinary Applications

On the Plate

Arugula microgreens are a chef's flavor amplifier. Where most microgreens function as neutral visual elements, arugula brings assertive character and demands thoughtful pairing.

01

Pizza & Flatbread Finishing

Scattered raw over Neapolitan-style pizza after baking — the heat wilts the microgreens slightly, intensifying their pepper notes against tomato and cheese.

02

Aged Cheese & Charcuterie

The pepper and bitterness of arugula microgreens cuts through the fat of prosciutto and the richness of aged Parmigiano or pecorino.

03

Fatty Fish Counterpoint

Placed alongside salmon, hamachi, or fatty tuna sashimi to provide the bitter, acidic counterpoint that lifts the dish.

04

Steak & Grilled Protein

Used in the Italian tradition of piling arugula over bistecca or grilled lamb chops — microgreens bring intensity without bulk.

Production Data

Growing Specifications

Crop Data

Seed type	Standard arugula (rocket)
Soaking time	None required
Blackout duration	2–3 days
Light phase	5–7 days
Harvest height	1.5–2.5 inches
Seed density	0.75 oz per 10×20 tray
Yield per tray	4–6 oz fresh weight
Shelf life	6–9 days refrigerated

Wholesale Packaging

Clamshell (retail)	2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz
Bulk vacuum bag	1 lb, 2 lb, 5 lb
Living tray	10"×20" uncut
Custom label	Available on request
Min. weekly order	5 lbs

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Arugula Shoots