Rocket, has in recent years made a career in Germany. This lettuce is no new vegetable to Germany but has been rediscovered, according to the 'Rhineland Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Association'.
Although Germans previously ate Rocket, the lettuce had been forgotten for decades. Recent interest in Mediterranean cuisine has seen Rocket once again become popular in Germany. The vegetable growers from the German Rhineland has seen the increased growth and presence in the area to over 60 hectares of Rocket. Fresh Rocket is harvested during the summer months from open fields. During the Winter months it is also available in smaller quantities from the greenhouses.
Rocket is particularly valuable due to the high mustard oil content. Additionally the leaves contain lots of beta-carotene, aspartic acid, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium and other minerals. Rocket works as a diuretic and helps stimulate digestion. The secondary plant substances strengthen the immune system.
Rocket is very versatile, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine where different lettuce types are used for salads, risottos, sauces and as a pizza topping. On heating it loses its typically sharp taste. Rocket is difficult to preserve as the water contained in the leaves is quickly lost through evaporation, therefore Rocket has to be bought as fresh as possible. When placed in a closed bag, Rocket can be kept fresh in a refrigerator for two days.
