Arugula vs. Rocket: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Arugula and Rocket are the same leafy green, known as Arugula in American English and Rocket in British English.
Key Differences
Arugula is a term primarily used in American English to describe a leafy green vegetable known for its peppery flavor. Rocket, on the other hand, is the British English term for the same vegetable, widely used in the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
When referring to Arugula, one is likely speaking in an American context, where this term is commonly recognized in culinary discussions. In contrast, the term Rocket is familiar to British and Australian audiences, reflecting the same vegetable but under a different name.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
The use of the word Arugula might be more prevalent in American cookbooks and menus. Meanwhile, Rocket is commonly found in British recipes, cookbooks, and restaurant menus, indicating the same peppery green.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Both Arugula and Rocket describe the same plant, Eruca sativa, known for its distinctive, slightly bitter, and peppery taste, popular in salads. The difference in terminology is purely regional and does not denote any difference in the plant itself.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
In culinary terms, Arugula is often associated with American-style dishes or recipes, while Rocket appears in British or European-style cuisine, though they refer to the same ingredient.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Context in Cuisine
Often found in American recipes
Frequently used in British recipes
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Nov 17, 2023
Culinary Association
Associated with American cuisine
Linked with British/European cuisine
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Nov 17, 2023
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Arugula and Rocket Definitions
Arugula
A salad green often used in American cuisine.
Arugula is a popular topping for gourmet pizzas in the U.S.
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Nov 17, 2023
Rocket
A peppery, leafy green vegetable, known in the UK.
Rocket was the base of his traditional English salad.
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Nov 17, 2023
Arugula
A nutritious green rich in vitamins and minerals.
He chose arugula for its health benefits.
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Nov 17, 2023
Rocket
A British term for a salad ingredient, Eruca sativa.
In the UK, rocket is commonly used in sandwiches.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Arugula
A leafy green vegetable with a peppery taste.
She added fresh arugula to her salad for a spicy kick.
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Nov 17, 2023
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Rocket
A green used in European cuisine for its spicy flavor.
Rocket was a key ingredient in her Italian pasta dish.
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Nov 17, 2023
Arugula
A garden plant used in salads and as a garnish.
Arugula was a favorite in her home garden.
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Nov 17, 2023
Rocket
A nutrient-rich salad green popular in British diets.
She grew rocket in her garden for its health benefits.
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Nov 17, 2023
Arugula
Eruca sativa, known for its distinctive flavor.
Arugula was the main green in her Mediterranean dish.
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Nov 17, 2023
Rocket
A common ingredient in British and Mediterranean salads.
Rocket added a peppery taste to the Mediterranean salad.
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Nov 17, 2023
Arugula
A Mediterranean plant (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa) of the mustard family, having flowers with purple-veined, yellowish-white petals and pungent, edible leaves. Also called rocket2, roquette.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Arugula
One of three yellowish-flowered Mediterranean herbs of the mustard family with flavoured leaves, often eaten in salads. Has a distinct, peppery flavor:
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Oct 19, 2023
Rocket
A vehicle or device propelled by one or more rocket engines, especially such a vehicle designed to travel through space.
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Oct 19, 2023
Rocket
A projectile weapon carrying a warhead that is powered and propelled by rockets.
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Oct 19, 2023
Rocket
A projectile firework having a cylindrical shape and a fuse that is lit from the rear.
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Oct 19, 2023
Arugula
An erect European annual (Eruca vesicaria sativa) of the mustard family, often grown as a salad crop to be harvested when young and tender.
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Oct 19, 2023
Rocket
Any of several plants of the mustard family, especially the dame's rocket and the sea rocket.
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Oct 19, 2023
Arugula
Erect European annual often grown as a salad crop to be harvested when young and tender
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Oct 19, 2023
Rocket
To soar or rise rapidly
The book rocketed to the top of the bestseller list.
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Rocket
An angry communication (such as a letter or telegram) to a subordinate.
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Oct 19, 2023
Rocket
A cruciferous plant (Eruca sativa) sometimes eaten in Europe as a salad.
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Oct 19, 2023
Rocket
An artificial firework consisting of a cylindrical case of paper or metal filled with a composition of combustible ingredients, as niter, charcoal, and sulphur, and fastened to a guiding stick. The rocket is projected through the air by the force arising from the expansion of the gases liberated by combustion of the composition. Rockets are used as projectiles for various purposes, for signals, and also for pyrotechnic display.
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Oct 19, 2023
Rocket
Any flying device propelled by the reactive force of hot gases expelled in the direction opposite its motion. The fuel used to generate the expelled gases in rockets may be solid or liquid; rockets propelled by liquid fuels typically have a combustible fuel (such as hydrogen or kerosene) which is combined inside the rocket engine with an oxidizer, such as liquid oxygen. Single liquid fuels (called monopropellants) are also known. Since rocket engines do not depend on a surrounding fluid medium to generate their thrust, as do airplanes with propellers or jet engines, they may be used for propulsion in the vacuum of space.
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Oct 19, 2023
Rocket
To rise straight up; said of birds; usually in the present participle or as an adjective.
An old cock pheasant came rocketing over me.
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Oct 19, 2023
Rocket
A jet engine containing its own propellant and driven by reaction propulsion
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Oct 19, 2023
Rocket
Erect European annual often grown as a salad crop to be harvested when young and tender
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Oct 19, 2023
Rocket
Propels bright light high in the sky, or used to propel a lifesaving line or harpoon
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What type of dishes is Rocket used in?
Rocket is used in various dishes, especially salads and sandwiches.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Why do British people call it Rocket?
It's the traditional British English term for this green.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Is there a difference in nutritional value between Arugula and Rocket?
No, they are nutritionally identical.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Why is it called Arugula in the US?
It's just the American English term for this vegetable.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Is Rocket used in American recipes?
It may be, but it's usually referred to as Arugula.
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Nov 17, 2023
Can you substitute Rocket for lettuce?
Yes, it's a great alternative in salads.
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Nov 17, 2023
How do you identify Arugula in the store?
Look for small, dark green, lobed leaves.
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Nov 17, 2023
Are Arugula and Rocket the same plant?
Yes, they refer to the same leafy green.
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Nov 17, 2023
Is Rocket popular in European cuisine?
Yes, particularly in Mediterranean dishes.
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Nov 17, 2023
Does Arugula have any medicinal properties?
It's known for its health benefits but not specifically medicinal.
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Nov 17, 2023
Is Rocket used in Italian cooking?
Yes, it's a common ingredient in Italian cuisine.
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Nov 17, 2023
What's the best way to store Rocket?
Keep it refrigerated in a plastic bag or container.
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Nov 17, 2023
Can Arugula be used as a pizza topping?
Absolutely, it's a popular gourmet topping.
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Nov 17, 2023
Can you eat the flowers of Rocket?
Yes, the flowers are also edible and flavorful.
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Nov 17, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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