Arugula is a leafy green vegetable with a distinctive peppery, slightly bitter taste that makes it stand out from milder greens like lettuce or spinach. The leaves are tender with jagged edges, and people eat them raw in salads or cooked in pasta dishes and on pizzas.

The sharp, peppery flavor of arugula isn't for everyone, especially kids trying it for the first time. Some people love how it adds a bold kick to their food, while others find it too strong. Many restaurants top their pizzas with fresh arugula right after baking, and the heat from the pizza wilts the leaves slightly while keeping that signature peppery bite.

Arugula is also called rocket in Britain and other parts of the world. Like many strong-tasting vegetables, arugula often becomes more appealing as people get older and learn to appreciate complex flavors beyond simple sweet and salty tastes.