Picking arugula under the open sky is a little joy—fresh, peppery leaves straight from the earth, with the satisfaction of choosing each one by hand. It’s even better with friends or family, turning it into a shared adventure, laughter mixing with the rustle of greens. Back home, rinse the leaves and toss them into a bright salad with shaved Parmesan, lemon, and olive oil, or layer them on a pizza straight from the oven for a punchy bite.
For something heartier, try arugula pesto: blend arugula, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil until smooth, then toss with pasta or spread on toast. Or whip up a warm arugula and white bean soup—sauté onions and garlic, add broth, white beans, and a handful of arugula at the end for a peppery kick.
If you’re feeling creative, muddle arugula with gin, lemon juice, and a touch of honey for a spicy herbal cocktail, strained over ice. And for a quiet moment, steep a few leaves in hot water with mint for a refreshing, slightly sharp herbal tea.
Decor? Tuck arugula sprigs into a bouquet for a wild, edible touch, or float the delicate yellow flowers in a shallow bowl as a sunny centerpiece. The possibilities are as fresh as the pickings.