Anyone can simply rip arugula out of the ground. However, if you want to enjoy this flavorful herb for the long term and experience it at its best flavor time, there are a few things to keep in mind.

When is the right time to harvest?

In good weather and warm summer temperatures, the rocket grows so quickly that it can be harvested just 3 weeks after sowing. The leaves are still in the seedling stage and have a particularly mild taste.

After 6 weeks at the latest, the rocket has grown so far that the harvest is no longer a long time coming. In general, the leaves should have a size of about 10 cm. If they span a length of 15 cm, their taste develops more and more into bitter and pungent.

The best time to harvest rocket is in the afternoon and on sunny days. Then its nitrate content is lower. Furthermore, for reasons of taste, consistency and your own health, it is important not to harvest it during or after flowering.

How is the arugula harvested?

As a rule, individual leaves are plucked off the rocket or a whole cluster of leaves is used with one scissors or cut off with a sharp knife. The rocket is rarely harvested together with its roots.

Depending on how and when you harvest the rocket, its taste will vary. Decide how rocket tastes better for you:

  • young leaves: mild
  • older leaves: sharp
  • without stem: nutty, tender
  • with stem: slightly bitter, nutty

Keep your eyes open even after the harvest

Rocket can be harvested without any problems until the end of September. Immediately after harvesting, it should either be eaten or find a place in the fridge. Ideally, it should be wrapped in a damp cloth when stored in the refrigerator. It keeps for a few days and the quality doesn't suffer noticeably.

In addition to the leaves, the flowers (for consumption and decoration) and the seeds (for further sowing) can be harvested from the rocket. The flowers are present in July and the seeds over the following weeks.

tips and tricks

You don't just want to harvest arugula once, but are happy when a second or third harvest is promised? Then don't cut the arugula too deeply. Leave the leaf stalks to encourage new sprouting.

Category:

Vegetable garden