The rocket is one herbaceous plant of the same family as cabbage and gods broccoli and is divided into two types: that wild which grows practically throughout the Mediterranean basin, with long and jagged leaves and an intense, pungent taste (the word "rocket derives from the Latin word" eruca "which means to burn), and that cultivated, with wider leaves and a less strong taste. The life cycle of the rocket is rapid and its very simple cultivation also lends itself to vases on terraces and window sills of the houses.

The properties of the rocket

The rocket has very few calories and contains a large amount of mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants. Its nutritional properties, with high values ​​of football, magnesium and potassium, they are a panacea for the organism and are a valid ally against thehypertension. The rocket also has a high effect detoxifying and it also has a function relaxing, it is in fact often used for herbal teas and infusions that promote sleep.

How to taste the rocket

The best way to eat rocket is – as with all vegetables – eat it fresh. Try to wash it well and buy only the one with the green and non-yellowed leaves; if you keep it in fridge remember to dry it well after cleaning it and to keep it in a vacuum bag so as not to let it get air. The only warning: given the high content of mineral salts and erucic acid it contains, it is a good rule do not overdo rocket consumption. The right dose is about a handful for children and maximum 2 punches for adults.

Before moving on to recipes to make the best use of rocket in the kitchen a little curiosity: for the ancient Romans it was considered one aphrodisiac plant and was used to prepare powerful love potions.

The recipes with rocket

There rocket salad it really lends itself to many preparations. Starting with the famous Romagna piadina of which it is an essential ingredient, passing to the filling for many sandwiches, like this one with tuna and mozzarella just to give an example.

To try, absolutely, there is the rocket pesto, perfect seasoning for many hot and cold first courses, but the rocket is also very well consumed fresh together with spaghetti with ricotta and olives, within the ravioli together with peppers or in a very delicate risotto with lemon and bresaola.

The choice is also wide for what concerns the second courses. The rocket goes very well with meat and fish and becomes an essential condiment to add taste and color to dishes. It is perfect with Chicken Burger or i saltimbocca of lamb for example and is an essential ingredient in sesame tuna nuts, with the cuttlefish and pancetta and in a salad of squid with lemon.

The rocket is also the background for totally vegetarian dishes, like this one cold salad with pine nuts and olives, the potato cat with green olives and cauliflower pancakes with buckwheat.

Aren't you still full? Try the rocket in combination with fruit. With i Red fruits or in combination with the sweet taste of strawberries will always be a success!