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Rocket from an allotment harvest

PRESERVING GUIDE

Preserving Rocket

Pick young rocket leaves regularly for a milder flavour and to avoid a sudden surplus; older leaves can be cooked. Chill dry leaves briefly in a breathable pack. Rocket pesto is a fresh, perishable preparation: refrigerate promptly or freeze portions, and never keep herb-and-oil mixtures at room temperature.

Rocket leaves stored on a paper towel in a refrigerator drawer

Short-Term Refrigeration for Rocket

General preservation or storage guidance

Preparation About 5 minutes to sort

Peppery rocket leaves stay fresher when sorted, kept unwashed and dry, and chilled in a breathable container until serving.

Method

  1. Pick or choose young rocket leaves that are crisp and free of yellowing, slime or bruising. Remove tough flowering stems and damaged leaves.
  2. Do not wash the leaves before storage unless they are dirty; if washed, dry them thoroughly so they are not packed wet.
  3. Place the leaves loosely in a clean, breathable bag or container lined with a dry paper towel and refrigerate. Do not crush or tightly compress the leaves.
  4. Check daily and replace a damp towel; remove any leaves that become slimy or mouldy.
  5. Rinse the leaves under running water and dry them just before making a salad or pesto.

Storage

Refrigerator in a loose bag or ventilated container · Use promptly while leaves remain crisp; inspect regularly

Sources and scope

Rocket pesto in a jar and bowl beside fresh rocket leaves

Rocket Pesto

General preservation or storage guidance

Preparation About 15 min active

Fresh rocket makes a peppery raw pesto for meals; chill it promptly or freeze small portions.

Method

  1. Sort rocket leaves, remove tough stems, rinse away grit and dry completely.
  2. Blend the leaves with nuts, hard cheese and garlic if desired, adding olive oil gradually until spoonable; season to taste.
  3. Spoon into a clean covered container in small portions and refrigerate immediately.
  4. Use within 3 days, or freeze portions in freezer-safe containers with expansion space.
  5. Thaw in the refrigerator; do not keep fresh rocket-and-garlic oil at room temperature.

Storage

Refrigerator or freezer; never store fresh herb oil at room temperature · Refrigerate and use within 3 days, or freeze

Sources and scope

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