Let’s lower to the chase: arugula is a fragile, peppery inexperienced that elevates salads, sandwiches, and numerous dishes with its distinctive taste profile. The tragedy? Its shelf life is notoriously brief, typically wilting or spoiling earlier than you possibly can absolutely take pleasure in its culinary potential. However concern not—by means of trial, error, and a little bit of science, I’ve found and refined strategies to retailer arugula, guaranteeing it stays as contemporary and vibrant because the day you introduced it residence. Overlook the generic “retailer your greens within the fridge” recommendation. We’re diving deep into the artwork and science of holding arugula at its peak freshness for so long as humanly potential.
How you can Retailer Arugula
Earlier than we delve into the specifics, perceive this: arugula, like all leafy inexperienced, is a residing organism. Even after being plucked from the earth, it continues to breathe. This respiration is a double-edged sword; it’s why arugula can “keep alive” and contemporary, but additionally why it might probably shortly degrade because it consumes its saved sugars and loses moisture. The important thing to prolonging its life lies in slowing these processes with out halting them fully—a fragile stability of temperature, humidity, and airflow.
How you can Retailer Arugula within the Fridge
Storing arugula within the fridge is the go-to technique for many, however there’s a proper and a unsuitable method to do it. The crisper drawer is your buddy right here, providing a barely extra humid surroundings than the remainder of your fridge. Nonetheless, merely tossing a bag of arugula within the crisper and calling it a day is a recipe for disappointment.
Right here’s a way that has by no means failed me: First, wash and completely dry the arugula. Moisture is the enemy of freshness, fostering an surroundings the place mould and spoilage micro organism thrive. Lay a few paper towels on the backside of a storage container to soak up any residual moisture. Unfold the arugula on prime, then cowl with one other paper towel earlier than sealing the container. This setup maintains humidity whereas absorbing extra moisture, dramatically extending the arugula’s life.
💡 Tip: By no means retailer arugula whereas it’s nonetheless moist. Even a small quantity of moisture can speed up spoilage
How you can Retailer Arugula within the Freezer
Freezing arugula could sound counterintuitive—in any case, it’s a leafy inexperienced, not a berry or a steak. Nonetheless, when finished accurately, freezing can protect arugula to be used in cooked dishes, the place its texture is much less vital than its taste.
Blanching is your first step. This course of—briefly submerging the arugula in boiling water then instantly cooling it in ice water—halts enzyme exercise that may trigger lack of taste, coloration, and texture. After blanching, dry the arugula completely. Lay it flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then switch the frozen leaves to a zip-top bag or hermetic container. This technique preserves the arugula’s taste and dietary content material for months, making it good for including to soups, stews, and sauces.
How you can Retailer Arugula within the Fridge With no Bag
Not everybody loves the thought of utilizing plastic, even when it’s for the sake of freshness. Fortunately, you possibly can retailer arugula within the fridge with out resorting to zip-top luggage or plastic containers. The important thing right here is sustaining the suitable surroundings—an endeavor that’s surprisingly easy with a glass container.
Utilizing a glass container with an hermetic lid, layer the underside with paper towels. Add your washed and absolutely dried arugula, then prime with one other paper towel earlier than sealing. This technique mimics the humidity and moisture management of plastic storage strategies with out the environmental influence. Plus, glass doesn’t soak up odors or flavors, holding your arugula tasting contemporary and peppery.
How you can Retailer Arugula within the Freezer With no Bag
For these dedicated to decreasing plastic use, storing arugula within the freezer with no bag is fully possible—and efficient. The tactic mirrors the normal freezing course of however with an eco-friendly twist.
After blanching and drying your arugula, unfold it out on a parchment paper-lined tray. Make sure the leaves should not touching, then freeze. As soon as frozen stable, switch the arugula to a reusable, hermetic container fabricated from glass or stainless-steel. This strategy not solely reduces plastic waste but additionally retains your arugula readily accessible for cooking, guaranteeing you possibly can take pleasure in its daring taste year-round.
💡 Tip: Spend money on high-quality, hermetic containers for freezing. They make all of the distinction in preserving taste and stopping freezer burn.
In conclusion, storing arugula so it stays contemporary and flavorful for so long as potential requires extra than simply tossing it within the fridge and hoping for the perfect. It calls for a considerate strategy, one which considers the fragile nature of this leafy inexperienced. Whether or not you select to retailer your arugula within the fridge or freezer, with or with out plastic, the important thing lies in controlling moisture, temperature, and airflow. By following these strategies, not solely do you lengthen the lifetime of your arugula, however you additionally maximize its culinary potential, guaranteeing that its peppery chew and vibrant inexperienced hue stay a staple in your dishes. And in doing so, you honor the trouble and assets that went into rising this versatile inexperienced, profiting from each leaf.
Private Expertise with Storing Arugula
Making the Most of a Bulk Buy
Throughout a farmers market go to, I got here throughout an awesome deal on contemporary arugula. Excited concerning the cut price, I bought a big bunch however quickly realized I would wrestle to make use of all of it earlier than it wilted. Remembering some storage suggestions I had learn, I made a decision to attempt storing half within the fridge and the opposite half within the freezer.
The Outcomes
After per week, I checked on each batches. The arugula saved within the fridge was nonetheless crisp and flavorful, whereas the frozen batch, although not perfect for salads, labored completely in cooked dishes like soups and stir-fries. This expertise not solely saved me cash but additionally taught me the flexibility of arugula when correctly saved.
Continuously Requested Questions
Who ought to refrigerate arugula after buying?
Retailer arugula within the fridge to maintain it contemporary.
What’s one of the best ways to retailer arugula at residence?
Wrap arugula in a paper towel and place it in a plastic bag.
How can I lengthen the shelf lifetime of arugula?
Wash and dry arugula earlier than storing it within the fridge.
What if my arugula turns into wilted shortly?
Revive wilted arugula by soaking it in ice water.
How lengthy can arugula be saved within the fridge?
Arugula can usually be saved for as much as per week within the fridge.
