Fresh Arugula is this week’s Fresh Pick of the Week at the valley’s Certified Farmers’ Markets. Arugula, sometimes called Rocket, or Rocket Salad, is actually in the cruciferous vegetable family (that also includes Broccoli, Kale, Brussels Sprouts, mustard and Cauliflower), and offers many of the same benefits as these other “super” foods.  Arugula has a fresh, tart, peppery and slightly bitter flavor that is delicious by itself or mixed into salads and other dishes. Originally from the Mediterranean region, Arugula’s wide popularity and ability to naturalize in many temperate regions has helped it spread throughout the world.

Did you know: Arugula has a long history of being known to increase or enhance sexual desire. As a result, during the Middle Ages, it was actually not allowed to be grown in Monasteries! Even today, some people believe that Arugula is a  “sexual stimulant.” The rest of us simply enjoy its pungent flavor.

Price: $3 a bag

The Certified Farmers’ Markets are the Coachella Valley’s only State and County Certified Farmers’ Markets. That means all the fruits, vegetables, meats and other products that are on sale at the markets have been grown on California Certified farms. In addition, almost all the farms are located within a 90 mile radius of the markets (thus reducing the carbon footprint), and many of the products sold are “USDA Certified Organic.”

All Certified Farmers’ Markets accept CalFresh EBT Cards, WIC Farmers’ Market Checks, and Senior Farmers’ Market Checks. The Markets also offer Market Bucks that can be purchased using charge cards or cash, then used at the market for purchases.

The Certified Farmers Markets are sponsored by the Palm Springs Cultural Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which was established to encourage the development of the cultural arts in the Coachella Valley with a specific focus in the areas of film, fine art, live performance, dance, music, and community festivals. The Center is dedicated to advancing education, to nurturing community-wide participation in the cultural arts, and to sponsoring scholarship awards for deserving individuals.