Can You Freeze Arugula?

Can you freeze arugula?

In this brief guide, we’ll address the search query: “Can you freeze arugula?” Also, we’ll explore how arugula can be frozen, what arugula is, what the nutritional content of arugula is, and is eating arugula healthy?

Yes, arugula can be frozen. Arugula can be frozen to extend its shelf life, and by extension, reduce waste.

However, as arugula is a leafy green, it requires some processing before it is stored at subzero temperatures, and should only be frozen if it’ll be used in cooking, as once it thaws out, the leaves will inevitably wilt.

Mainly, arugula should be blanched before it is stored in the freezer, as it may otherwise suffer freezer burns and have an odd, rusty taste once it’s been defrosted.

While freezing may wilt arugula leaves once they’re defrosted, if done properly, the taste should not be negatively affected.

Below, we’ll provide a brief guide to freezing arugula.

How can I freeze arugula?

Fresh arugula that will be frozen must first have all the burned or otherwise damaged pieces trimmed off. They not only lend an unflattering appearance to the arugula but may contain microorganisms found on spoiled and decaying foods.

Once trimmed, the arugula can be washed underneath cold water to remove any debris or other particles from the surface.

To blanch it, it can be submerged in boiling water for a minute or two (before it wilts) and then dunked in ice water for the same amount of time. This will deactivate enzymes and microbes that will facilitate the breakdown of the leaves once it’s been frozen.

After the arugula has been cooled, it must be thoroughly dried with paper towelettes or any other absorbent material and then stored inside a tight-sealing freezer bag.

Before sealing said bag, users should draw or push out as much air as possible to reduce exposure and the likelihood of freezer burn.

The bag can then be sealed, and placed in the freezer. Frozen, arugula can be preserved for up to two months.

To defrost it, users can steam it or use leaves in cooking, after they’ve been pulled straight from the bag.

What is arugula?

Arugula is a leafy green, harvested from arugula plants. Some may refer to it with other monikers such as rocket, rucola, and roquette.

It is similar in appearance to dandelion leaves, though it is more closely related to cabbages and broccoli (the Brassicae family), while dandelion is a member of the lettuce family (Asteraceae).

Arugula can be consumed in salads, made with pasta, and used to garnish meat dishes, soups, stews, and many other dishes.

In organoleptic terms, arugula has a mild, mustard-like taste that some describe as sharp and peppery.

It can be served fresh or cooked, depending on the chosen recipe’s guidelines.

What is the nutritional content of arugula?

On average, a 60-gram portion of fresh arugula will provide:

15 calories
1.6 grams of protein
0.4 grams of fat
2.2 grams of carbohydrates – of which 2.2 grams are dietary fiber, and 1.3 grams are sugar
16.2 milligrams of sodium
222 milligrams of potassium

*Also, the same portion will provide 28.2% of the suggested daily intake (SDI) of vitamin A, 15% of vitamin C, 7.2% of calcium, and 4.9% of iron.

*Based on a diet of 2000 calories a day.

Is eating arugula healthy?

Yes, eating arugula can be considered healthy.

Arugula is a source of various vitamins such as A, C, and K, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron.

It is also rich in antioxidants that can help mitigate damage caused by oxidative stress and protect against various diseases and disorders.

For its part, oxidative stress is associated with an early onset of conditions such as heart disease, fatty liver disease, cancers, cognitive disorders, type II diabetes, and high blood pressure. Consuming arugula can help users reduce the likelihood of these diseases.

As arugula is low in calories, it can be easily incorporated into weight-loss dieting and can be consumed in place of other foods and ingredients that have higher calorie content, added sugars, and fat.

Arugula may, however, be contraindicated for patients who have been prescribed blood thinners, as the vitamin K present in it may antagonize the effect of anticoagulants.

To summarize, arugula is a healthy food that users can include as part of a balanced diet.

Other FAQs about Vegetables that you may be interested in.

Can you freeze artichoke hearts?

Can you freeze artichoke spinach dip?

Can you freeze artichokes?

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we’ve addressed the search query: “Can you freeze arugula?” Also, we’ve explored how arugula can be frozen, what arugula is, what the nutritional content of arugula is, and is eating arugula healthy?