Arugula
Specialty produce is subject to availability
Arugula is identified by its dark green, elongated, multi-lobe leaf shape. Arugula has a peppery sharp flavor. The tender baby leaves will range from 3-4”. A “wild” variety, identified by its smaller leaves and hardier texture is becoming more dominate in the market and can be substituted. Regular arugula has very typical quality issues during the early to mid spring months and the early to mid fall months. During these periods of fluctuating growing temperatures, arugula can have an extremely short shelf life and is prone to turn yellow.

Storage
» Store in the coldest area of the walk-in cooler. Kitchen heat will cause yellowing and wilting and moisture release almost immediately.
» Store in the original container and in the original sealed plastic bag to protect. Do not stack heavy objects on top of cases or allow crushing.
» Keep exposed product away from drafts from the cooler fan. Arugula is highly susceptible to dehydration damage.
» Arugula is extremely susceptible to ethylene damage. Store unprotected product away from ethylene producing fruits where possible. Ethylene damage will appear as yellowing.

Handling
» Follow good rotation practices, first shipments received should be used first.
» Arugula has an expected shelf life of 3-4 days.
» Avoid placing the case or raw product on non-sanitized kitchen counter tops to help prevent the potential for cross contamination.
» Limit the time the product is out of refrigeration, do not allow unused product to reach room temperature.

Preparation
» Prepare as needed. Try not to use product from the previous day.
» Baby arugula is washed. However, it will benefit from a quick rinse prior to preparation.
» Store prepped product immediately into refrigeration (covered) upon completion of the prep.