Arugula – Growing Microgreens

Arugula, also known as rocket or roquette, is a leafy green vegetable with a peppery taste. It is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which includes other cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale. Arugula is often used in salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes, and is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, calcium, and iron.

Growing arugula microgreens is a quick and easy way to add a fresh, nutritious burst of flavor to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Here are the steps to grow arugula microgreens, as well as the materials needed:

How to Grow Microgreens (Sprouts are below):

Materials needed:

• Arugula microgreen seeds
• A shallow container or tray
• Organic potting soil or seed-starting mix
• Water
• A spray bottle
• A grow light or a sunny window sill

Steps to grow arugula microgreens:

1. Fill the container or tray with 1-2 inches of organic potting soil or seed-starting mix.
2. Sprinkle the arugula microgreen seeds evenly across the surface of the soil. You can sprinkle a generous amount of seeds, as arugula microgreens are typically grown densely.
3. Using a spray bottle, mist the seeds with water to moisten the soil. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause the seeds to rot.
4. Cover the container or tray with a lid or plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse environment. This will help to retain moisture and speed up germination.
5. Place the container or tray under a grow light or in a sunny window sill. Arugula microgreens require plenty of light to grow, so be sure to provide at least 6 hours of light per day.
6. Check the soil regularly and mist with water as needed to keep it moist. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause the seeds to rot.
7. After about 7-10 days, the arugula microgreens should be ready to harvest. Simply snip off the tops of the greens with scissors, leaving about an inch of stem attached to the soil. Rinse the microgreens thoroughly and pat dry before using.

Growing arugula microgreens is a fun and rewarding way to add fresh, nutritious greens to your meals. Enjoy!

How to Grow Sprouts:

To grow arugula sprouts, you will need the following materials:

1. Arugula seeds (preferably organic)
2. A wide-mouthed quart-sized jar with a lid
3. A fine-mesh strainer
4. Water
5. A dark space or a sprouting lid (optional)

Directions:

1. Rinse the arugula seeds in cool water, and then put them in a bowl or jar. Cover the seeds with about an inch of water and let them soak for six to eight hours.
2. After the soaking period, pour off the water, and rinse the seeds in cool water. Then, drain the seeds in a fine-mesh strainer and let them rest for a few minutes to let the excess water drip off.
3. Put the seeds back in the jar, and cover the jar with a lid. If you don’t have a lid, you can cover the jar with a sprouting lid or a piece of cheesecloth secured with a rubber band.
4. Place the jar in a dark space, or cover it with a towel to keep out the light. The arugula seeds need to be kept in the dark for the first two to three days.
5. Rinse the seeds with cool water twice a day. Tilt the jar so that the water can drain out, and then turn the jar upside down in a bowl or dish to allow any remaining water to drip out.
6. After two to three days, the arugula seeds will begin to sprout. At this point, you can move the jar to a well-lit area to allow the sprouts to develop chlorophyll and turn green.
7. Continue to rinse the arugula sprouts twice a day, and drain them thoroughly after each rinse. The sprouts should be ready to harvest in five to seven days, depending on the temperature and humidity.
8. Once the arugula sprouts are ready, give them a final rinse and drain them thoroughly. You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

In terms of medicinal benefits, arugula has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. It is also high in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against oxidative stress. Additionally, arugula is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great addition to any healthy diet.  However, as with any herbal remedy, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before using basil for medicinal purposes