How Long Does Arugula Last? Does It Go Bad?

Arugula, a peppery and nutty-flavored salad green, is popularly grown in countries such as Italy.

It has a unique flavor and leaf shape that makes it a favorite among salad enthusiasts.

Arugula is used in making salads, sauces, and dressings and is essential in the culinary world.

The shelf life of arugula can be a concern for many frequent users.

In this article, we’ll be answering the question, “How long does arugula last? Does it go bad?”.

Arugula typically lasts around 3-7 days in the refrigerator before it starts to deteriorate. Proper storage techniques can help prolong its shelf life. Keeping arugula dry, cool, and in the fridge can help retain its freshness for a longer time.

What is Arugula?

Arugula, also known as rocket, roquette, or rucola, is a nutritious leafy green that’s popularly used in making salads, sauces, and dressings. It’s an annual plant from the Brassicaceae family that’s popularly grown in the Mediterranean and Italy for its nutty and peppery flavor.

Arugula’s rich flavor compliments other vegetables, fruits, nuts, and cheeses used in preparing salads. Its dark leaves and lobed or elongated leaf shape make it easy to identify, and it’s readily available in most grocery stores.

How Long Does Arugula Last? Does It Go Bad?

Arugula tends to wilt and spoil quickly compared to other leafy greens due to its high moisture content. The shelf life of arugula is affected by factors such as storage, temperature, and moisture levels.

Fresh Arugula

If you have fresh arugula that hasn’t been cut or washed, it can last up to a week. To extend its shelf life, wrap the arugula in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and place it in a resealable plastic bag before storing it in the refrigerator. This helps to absorb excess moisture and prevents wilting of the leaves.

Cut and Washed Arugula

If you have cut and washed arugula, it tends to spoil much faster. Typically, the shelf life of cut and washed arugula is around 3-7 days when refrigerated. When storing washed arugula, ensure there’s minimal moisture as too much moisture causes it to rot quickly. Store the leaves in an airtight container or a plastic bag lined with paper towels to help keep the moisture level low.

It’s worth noting that arugula doesn’t freeze well and is best enjoyed when fresh.

Signs That Arugula Has Gone Bad

It’s easy to tell when arugula has gone bad. If you notice that the leaves are slimy, yellow, or brown, it indicates that the arugula is no longer safe for consumption. Additionally, if it has a sour aroma, it’s time to dispose of it. Always check the arugula before use and discard anything that doesn’t seem fresh.

How to Store Arugula?

Storing arugula properly is essential in extending its shelf life. When storing arugula, it’s best to keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent wilting or spoiling. Here are some storage tips to help prolong its shelf life:

Rinse and Dry the Arugula

Before storing arugula, rinse it under cool running water in a colander. Dry the leaves using a salad spinner or paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Refrigerate the Arugula

Place the arugula in a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keeping it in the crisper drawer will help maintain the temperature for prolonged freshness.

Avoid Storing with Fruits that Releases Ethylene Gas

Arugula is sensitive to ethylene gas, a type of gas released by some fruits such as apples, bananas, and pears. If you store ethylene-releasing fruits with arugula, it’s likely to wilt, and its shelf life will be shortened. It’s best to store arugula separately from these fruits to help prolong its freshness.

Conclusion

Arugula is a nutritious leafy green that’s commonly used in preparing salads, dressings, and sauces. Arugula lasts approximately 3-7 days in the refrigerator, depending on storage techniques and the moisture level. When storing arugula, keep it dry, cool, and in a resealable plastic bag with a paper towel to help absorb excess moisture.

Signs that arugula has gone bad include slimy leaves, a sour aroma, and discoloration. Always check the leaves to ensure they’re fresh and discard anything that doesn’t seem right. Storing arugula with ethylene-releasing fruits can also cause it to wilt faster; therefore, it’s best to store them separately.

By following proper storage techniques, you can help elongate the shelf life of the arugula and enjoy it for longer. Overall, arugula is a versatile and nutritious leafy green that’s worth incorporating into your diet.