[Sca-cooks] Arugula/Rocket/Eruca?

[TerryDecker]

You're making an error.  You are assuming that the common Latin name for a 
plant in 802 CE is the same as the 19th Century taxonomic name.  Various 
translations of the Capitulare de villis translate eruca alba as rocket. 
Also listed in the Capitulare is sinape, the Latin for both black and white 
mustard.  If differentiation was required these would be sinape alba or 
sinape nigra.

Bear


-----Original Message----- 

This might actually be the key.

Arugula is eruca sativa. But:

Eruca alba (L.) Noulet is a synonym of Sinapis alba  L.


That is, white mustard. I'd be inclined to believe  Villanova's eruca is
this one (he may even say which somewhere in his massive  text, but if so I
haven't found it yet).

Thanks for the hint and to Doc, Johnnae and Edouardo for the other
references.


Jim Chevallier
www.chezjim.com