30/04/2026
Fun facts about rocket:
💚 In the Mediterranean, rocket was historically revered as an aphrodisiac, with bridegrooms sometimes given it on their wedding night to represent fertility.
💚 It has been consumed for thousands of years, with mentions in ancient Roman times and even appearing in Jewish, Biblical texts.
💚 Rocket is actually a brassica and is closely related to mustard greens, which explains its fiery taste.
💚 In New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, the name "rocket" is used due to a direct, aristocratic, pre-industrial path, whereas the US term "arugula" arrived later via Italian immigrants.
💚 Wild rocket is a perennial that can be grown for 2–3 years, and if left to flower, its buttercup-yellow flowers are excellent for attracting beneficial insects like hoverflies to gardens.
💚 Thanks to modern innovations, such as those at LeaderBrand, New Zealand now produces wild rocket in covered greenhouses, allowing for a consistent, year-round supply of the peppery green.
💚 The longer or larger the rocket plant grows, the spicier the leaf becomes.
💚 It is commonly used as a finishing green over hot pizzas or in pesto in New Zealand, rather than just in salads.
💚 This rocket was used in a homemade focaccia sandwich and tasted delicious!
