The benefits of wild rocket

The benefits of rocket are not new to our century, although its consumption has only really spread quite recently. Back in ancient Roman times it was believed to be a baby leaf salad capable of protecting the stomach and promoting diuresis, but they also believed it was a powerful aphrodisiac, so much so that it become sacred to the Greek God Priapus, the symbol of fertility and male genitalia.

Did you know that: In the poem Moretum Virgilio he dedicated one of his verses to rocket, defining it as a food capable of awakening the sleeping ones: “et veneris revocans eruca morantuem”.

These properties linked to sexual aspects have been the good and bad luck of rocket, which was banned from tables during the years of the Counter-Reformation of the XVI century then brought back in the XX century thanks to scientific studies that demonstrated its beneficial properties, not just in the bedroom.

Rocket has 30 kcal per 100 grams, but has an exceptional molecular composition as it is rich in fibre, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, group C Vitamins and group B Vitamins, as well as a number of other microelements essential for our well-being.

This combination means rocket has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory action, especially at an intestinal level, but also antioxidant and anti-age effects, and for this reason it is used abroad in many cosmetic products to combat skin ageing and dermatitis.

Apart from these health elements, rocket is often consumed raw, making it a perfect food for a snack or a meal when out and about. It can be used in baby leaf mixes, as a side dish on its own – have you ever tasted the typical dish bresaola, rocket and flakes of parmesan cheese? – or also combined with ricotta or made into a pesto for a delicious pasta dish. In short, rocket is not only good for you, it’s also tasty: a baby leaf salad that is a must-have for your table.