The History of Arugula

Arugula comes from the Mediterranean coast of Italy, according to commercial growers B&W Quality Growers. The region's atmosphere was ideal for cultivating the herb before it expanded throughout Turkey, Persia, and Europe with the Roman Empire. According to etymologists, arugula became known as "roquette" in France before being called "rocket" in the United Kingdom. As if the plant had been christened by Sir Richard Branson.

A remark about vegetable prices made by then-presidential candidate Barack Obama in 2007 catapulted arugula into the partisan spotlight of American food culture. Despite its old appearance in both the Bible and the Talmud, for many people, "Arugulagate" was their first exposure to the leafy green. Arugula, on the other hand, has a lengthy history in the United States.

According to Sam Dean of Bon Appetite, when arugula first arrived in America, it was with Italian immigrants who called it "rucola" or "aruculu" depending on where they came from. Because there were so many more Southern Italians going to America, "aruculu" won out, eventually becoming "arugula". Arugula is now referred to as "rucola" in Italy. Arugula, by any other name, tastes just as sharp.