Ancient native of the western Mediterranean from Morocco to Turkey. Eruca comes from the Latin, meaning “burner”, meaning that consumption warms the body. Closely related to Eruca sativa (E. vesicaria var. sativa). Eruca vesicaria can be distinguished from E. sativa (Roquette) by its persistent sepals after the flower opens. Sepal is the small green leaf between the flower pedals that enclosed the flower bud. Delicious arugula recipes.
