There’s nothing quite as unappetizing as soggy leafy greens. We’ve all at one point or another had a disappointing, droopy salad that left a bad taste in our mouths.
This is one of the worst things about getting greens. If you don’t use them quickly, they become a lackluster and smelly mess. Even if you use them right away, some heavy dressings can reduce them to slimy morsels on a plate that make you want to gag.
In recent years, arugula has seen a surge in popularity worldwide. Countless crowds of people adore this spicy leaf that can turn any salad from blah to bursting with flavor.
But is it vulnerable to the sogginess of other leafy greens? We’ll be discussing if arugula gets soggy here.
Quick Answer: Does Arugula Get Soggy?
Arugula, like many other leafy greens, will get develop a soggy, slimy texture once it’s gone bad. If you were to smell it at this stage, you would notice that it has a sour odor.
Regarding its use in salads, whether or not it gets soggy will depend on the type of dressing you’re drizzling on top. Arugula holds up beautifully under a light vinaigrette, maintaining its crispy texture.
Underneath a dressing that’s heavy and creamy, arugula may become a little soggy in time.
Read Also: Does Arugula Taste Good Cooked?
How to Keep Arugula from Becoming Soggy
So what can you do to prevent arugula from being reduced to sodden and droopy mess?
Unfortunately, we don’t have the ability to freeze time. Because of that, you can’t exactly keep your arugula perfectly crisp forever…but there are some things you can to extend its lifespan.
Related Article: Does Arugula Like Acidic Soil?
The best thing you can do is store it well. Make sure it’s dried and store it in a bag that zips shut. Pack paper towels between and around the leaves for extra security. Once it’s all bundled up like so, you can keep it in the vegetable crisper drawer in your fridge.
When it’s in a salad, try using a vinaigrette on top. These dressings are light, which keeps them from soaking into and weighing down your arugula.
Also Read: Does Arugula Need to be Thinned?
Is Soggy Arugula Safe to Eat?
If your arugula has gotten to the point where it’s mushy and smelly, it’s not a good idea to eat it. Fortunately, if you’ve stored it properly in your fridge, you should have up to ten days to use it up.
Now, if your arugula has just become soggy underneath a heavy dressing, then of course it’s still safe for you to eat. It just may not be as appealing due to its lack of body and texture.
There are other types of recipes you can do aside from salads for those concerned about arugula becoming too soggy. In a soup or smoothie, you won’t even notice the lack of crispness in your arugula.
You Might Also Like: Does Arugula Taste Like Spinach?
Wrap Up
All types of leafy vegetables, including arugula, are vulnerable to the ravages of time and creamy dressings. This unfortunately means that they can get slimy or soggy.
The best way to prevent this from happening is through proper storage. By carefully packing your arugula in paper towels and a bag that seals shut, you can store it in your fridge for up to ten days safely.
Related Article: Does Arugula Have a Smell?
As far as eating it goes, avoid weighty dressings to prevent sogginess. Otherwise, you can always try it in other foods where the crispness doesn’t matter, such as a smoothie.
You Might Also Like: Does Arugula Need Fertilizer?
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!