Name: Rocket (Eruca sativa)
Origin: The Mediterranean
Description: Biennial but frost-sensitive plant. Small (20-25 cm), cruciferous plant that spreads by means of thick underground stems. It has small and yellowish white flowers; has a prominent fragrance reminiscent of walnut. Its dark green, heavily divided leaves are developed mainly during the warm seasons.
Culinary use: Young leaves and shoots may be used for seasoning soups, pasta and hot sandwiches. A tasty salad-base by itself or mixed with other types of lettuce.
Medicinal use: Rocket simulates appetite and has a toning and blood purifying effect.
Cultivating and harvesting: Prefers sunny areas and sandy, calciferous soil. Rocket easily grows from seeds even in the wild.