Anyone can simply tear arugula out of the ground. But if you want to enjoy this spicy herb in the long term and want to experience it at its best, there are a few points to consider.
When and how should you harvest arugula?
Arugula should be harvested between 3-6 weeks after sowing, when the leaves have reached a size of approx. 10 cm. Nitrate levels are lower in the afternoon and on sunny days. Either pluck individual leaves or cut off entire clusters of leaves; do not harvest during or after flowering.
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 to such an extent that the harvest success can no longer be expected. In general, the leaves should be around 10 cm in size. If they span a length of 15 cm, their taste becomes increasingly bitter and spicy.
The best time to harvest arugula is in the afternoon and on sunny days. Then its nitrate content is lower. Furthermore, for reasons of taste, consistency and your own he alth, it is important not to harvest it during or after the flowers.
How is arugula harvested?
As a rule, individual leaves are plucked from the rocket or a whole collection of leaves is cut off withscissors or a sharp knife. It is rarer to harvest the arugula and its roots.
Depending on how and when you harvest the rocket, its taste varies. Decide how you like arugula better:
- young leaves: mild
- older leaves: sharp
- without stem: nutty, tender
- with stem: slightly bitter, nutty
Keep your eyes open even after the harvest
Arugula can be harvested without any problems until the end of September. It should either be consumed immediately after harvest or find a place in the refrigerator. Ideally, when stored in the refrigerator, it should be wrapped in a damp cloth. It stays there for a few days and the quality doesn't suffer noticeably.
In addition to the leaves, the flowers (for consumption and as 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 & Tricks
You don't just want to harvest rocket once, but are happy when a second or third harvest is on the horizon? Then don't cut the rocket too deeply. Leave the petioles to encourage new growth.