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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

What is Rocket?

Well, it's actually spelt roquette which would make you think that it perhaps has French origins.

But, for the purposes of keeping our tastebuds entertained, rocket is a peppery alternative to lettuce and contains a variety of flavours, textures and colours. Quite a refreshing combination!

Wild Roquette has been around since Roman times and was considered an aphrodisiac! Quick, get me a bag of the stuff!!!!

It has a nutty and aromatic flavour with a little heat to finish. Wild Rocket is rich in Vitamin C and Iron and could be used in Pesto or for a pizza topping as well as a flavoured addition to salad. The interesting thing about rocket, unlike lettuce, is that is can be wilted down in such things as risottos and still retain and flavour and enjoyment.

One of my favourite recipes with rocket is to serve it with fresh figs (stuffed with goats chevre & wrapped in procuitto) that have been gently heated in the oven for around 20 minutes. The rocket acts as a side accompaniment and is drizzled with a balsamic and olive oil dressing. This is really quite heavenly and with figs almost in season (at a reasonable price), there's no excuse for not trying....

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