Rocket

Rocket — known as arugula in the US — is a leafy green with a bold, peppery bite that sets it apart from milder salad leaves. It belongs to the brassica family, alongside mustard and cabbage, which accounts for its characteristic sharpness.

It’s a favourite in Australian salads, where it adds punch on its own or mixed with milder leaves. Rocket is excellent wilted through hot pasta, scattered over pizza straight from the oven, or tossed with shaved parmesan, lemon juice, and olive oil for a simple side. Baby rocket has a milder flavour, while mature leaves are more intensely peppery.

Rocket grows quickly and easily in Australian gardens, preferring cooler weather — it tends to bolt and become very bitter in the heat of summer. It’s available year-round in supermarkets, sold in bunches or as part of mixed salad bags.