Young leaves - raw or cooked[2 , 27 , 33 , 34 , 74 ]. A distinct strongly spicy flavour[183 ], the taste is best from fast, well-grown plants[200 ]. A few leaves added to a salad are acceptable though the flavour is too strong for many tastes[K ]. Some people really like these leaves though most are not very keen[K ]. Older leaves that have become too hot to eat on their own can be pureed and added to soups etc[183 ]. In the milder areas of Britain it is possible to produce edible leaves all year round from successional sowings, especially if the winter crop is given some protection[K ]. Flowers - raw[52}. A similar taste to the leaves, they make a nice garnish on the salad bowl[183 ]. The seed yields a semi-drying oil[1 , 2 , 74 ]. Its use as a salad or cooking oil is limited because of its initial acridity; this acridity disappears after storing the oil for 6 months, it is then suitable for edible purposes[61 , 114 , 299 ] The oil can be used as a substitute for rapeseed oil[34 ]. It contains 32% fat, 27% protein[114 ]. It is known as 'jamba oil'[183 ]. A mustard is obtained from the seed[46 , 74 , 183 ]. The strong flavour comes from an essential oil that is contained within the oil of the seed[114 ]. The pungency of mustard develops when cold water is added to the ground-up seed - an enzyme (myrosin) acts on a glycoside (sinigrin) to produce a sulphur compound. The reaction takes 10 - 15 minutes. Mixing with hot water or vinegar, or adding salt, inhibits the enzyme and produces a mild bitter mustard[238 ].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


Rocket was at one time often used medicinally, though it is now seen mainly as a salad herb[238 ]. The leaves are antiscorbutic, diuretic, rubefacient, stimulant and stomachic[4 , 46 , 299 ]. Eruca contains the glucosinolate methylsulphinylbutyl isothiocyanate which induces enzymes which have anticancer activity[289 ]. The seed is rubefacient and stimulant[4 , 46 ]. The powdered seed possesses antibacterial activity, but no alkaloids have been isolated[240 ]. The oil from the seed is said to have aphrodisiac properties[264 , 299 ]. The oil can be used for massage and for soothing the skin[299 ].

The seed yields a semi-drying oil which is a substitute for rapeseed oil[46 ]. It is rich in erucic acid[289 ]. It can also be used for lighting and burning with very little soot[114 ]. Eruca seed oil is mainly used in industries as a lubricant, for soap-making, as an illuminating agent, in massaging, in medicines and in cooking as a salad oil[289 ]. Erucic oil is sometimes used for adulterating rapeseed/mustard oil[289 ]. High erucic acid (HEA) oil has special properties which include: High smoke and flash points, oiliness and stability at high temperatures, ability to remain fluid at low temperatures and durability[289 ]. HEA oil is used to produce erucamide which is used as a slip additive in polythene and polypropylene, to reduce surface friction and prevent adhesion between film surfaces[289 ]. HEA oil is also used in printing inks, lubricants and has a range of other applications[289 ]. An essential oil from the leaves of Eruca sativa contains 67 volatile components, representing 96.52% of the oil. The oil is characterized by a high content of sulphur and nitrogen containing compounds[289 ].

Special Uses