By Layla Khoury-Hanold for Food Network Kitchen

Layla Khoury-Hanold is a contributor at Food Network.

Arugula's distinct peppery punch makes it a popular addition to salads, pestos and pizza. But what exactly is it? Here’s everything you need to know about arugula, including some of our best arugula recipes.

What Is Arugula?

Arugula is a vegetable with edible green leaves that have a strong, spicy, peppery flavor.

Also known as rocket, rucola or roquette, arugula is part of the Brassicaceae family along with cabbages and mustard greens. Arugula is commonly used in salads, pesto and as a topping for pizza, sandwiches or soups. Arugula can also be lightly cooked, perhaps sauteed or folded with hot pasta until it's gently wilted. Arugula is available year-round but reaches peak season in early spring and fall.

Arugula vs Spinach

Both arugula and spinach are leafy green vegetables with tender leaves and crisp stems. Spinach has a deeper green color than arugula and a milder, more vegetal taste with slight bitterness, while arugula has a more intense, peppery, spicy flavor. Both arugula and spinach can be eaten raw and cooked, but spinach can withstand more intense cooking techniques, such as boiling, sauteing or stir-frying, whereas arugula is typically lightly sauteed or added to hot dishes to lightly wilt.

Arugula vs Baby Arugula

Arugula and baby arugula come from the same plant but are harvested at different stages of maturity. Baby arugula is picked when the leaves are still small and tender, and baby arugula tends to have a less pronounced peppery bite than mature arugula, which has large, full-size leaves.

Arugula Benefits

To weigh in on the nutriton and health benefits of arugula, we consulted Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, a FoodNetwork.com contributor, cookbook author, registered dietitian nutritionist and certified athletic trainer. “Arugula is a leafy green vegetable that is very low in calories but features several nutrients including fiber, iron, calcium, as well as vitamins A and K,” she says. “Arugula, like cabbage and broccoli, is a member of the cruciferous veggie family, which means it features antioxidants and other phytochemicals that fight inflammation and help prevent chronic illnesses like heart disease and certain types of cancer.”

How to Store Arugula

You can buy arugula in bunches or pre-bagged. For bunched arugula, wrap loosely in paper towel and place in a plastic bag, then store in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator, for up to two days. Be sure to label and date the bag. Unopened bagged arugula will last around five days in the refrigerator; once opened, use bagged arugula within two to three days.

Cooked arugula will last around three days in the refrigerator when stored in an air-tight container or resealable bag.

Arugula Recipes

Fennel-Arugula Salad

Thinly sliced fennel, chopped fennel fronds, sliced celery and baby arugula team up to create a flavor-packed salad with loads of texture. A simple olive-oil lemon dressing pulls it all together, but you could also add grated Parmesan for a salty punch.

Hazelnut-Arugula Pesto

Classic pesto gets a makeover by pulling in hazelnuts and arugula in place of typical pine nuts and basil. It comes together easily in a food processor and can be spooned over grilled chicken or fish, tossed with pasta or spread onto sandwiches.

Arugula-Prosciutto Flatbreads

These easy grilled flatbreads come together on the grill in no time at all. They’re anchored by grated fontina and prosciutto, then topped with a fennel-and-arugula medley, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and finished with blue cheese crumbles.

Creamy Herbed Chicken and Arugula Pasta Salad with Asiago

This satisfying main dish salad features grilled chicken tossed with peppery arugula, grated Asiago cheese and a creamy, herbaceous dressing. It’s all folded together while the pasta is still warm so the arugula wilts just slightly.

Bacon, Peach and Arugula Sandwiches

Baby arugula adds a slightly peppery bite to this fruity riff on a BLT, while a basil mayonnaise lends an herbaceous, creamy finish.

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