How to Store Arugula in the Fridge or Freezer

Arugula (Eruca sativa)—also known as garden rocket, roquette, or rucola—is a salad green in the Brassica family (along with cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and collard greens). Fresh arugula leaves have a distinctive spicy kick and peppery flavor that will turn up the flavors in your salads, pastas, sandwiches, and sauces. Baby arugula, harvested when immature and often sold prewashed in plastic bags or containers, has a milder flavor than mature arugula, usually sold in bunches.

Keep baby arugula in a cloth or plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to five days. To store mature arugula, first, remove any twist ties or rubber bands surrounding the bunch of arugula since those bands can cause bruising. Discard any wilted leaves. If you plan to use the arugula within a day or two, rinse the leaves under cold water and remove excess moisture using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel. If you want your arugula to last longer, don’t wash it until you’re ready to eat it. Wrap the arugula in a clean kitchen towel or store it in a plastic or cloth bag in the crisper drawer.

Freezing arugula is an excellent option for extending the shelf life of these leafy greens. To freeze arugula, begin by rinsing the leaves under cold water and removing any wilted or brown leaves. Then, blanch the arugula in a pot of boiling water for one minute. Immediately transfer the arugula to an ice water bath before draining and drying the leaves with a salad spinner, clean kitchen towel, or paper towel. Place the blanched leaves in an airtight freezer bag and press as much air out as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

Another option for your frozen arugula is to purée the arugula in a blender with water or olive oil and fresh herbs for an easy arugula pesto. Freeze your arugula purée or pesto in an ice cube tray for easy portioning. Once the cubes are solid, transfer the arugula cubes to an airtight bag for storage.

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