The Tao of Arugula

To achieve a harmonious life, the Taoists propagated a curious recommendation: wu wei, or do by not doing. In our action-oriented society, not doing something is under-appreciated. Of course, not doing isn’t the same as doing nothing. Wu wei is the art of taking the right action at the right moment to allow what is to be, in all its glory. For the modern cook, however, it isn’t easy to prepare a satisfying meal from ingredients that are watery, unripe and tasteless because they’re shipped from afar or come from a can or the freezer.

Thankfully, there’s arugula, which allows us to experience the wu wei principle immediately. It’s as simple as cutting it and putting it into your mouth. If you’d like to glean more lessons from arugula, grow it yourself in a pot or in your garden. Once the plant has formed rosettes, snip off the top, leaving a height of one inch (three centimeters); it’ll grow back. Those spicy leaves are good with just about anything. Sprinkle them over your salad, soup, pasta or stir-fry dish. If you’ve missed the right moment to act, not to worry. The little flowers are also edible. And if you missed your opportunity to harvest the flowers, allow the plant to form seeds and try again. Where else would you find such a friendly teacher who gives you so many second chances?

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Jo A.

11:56PM PDT on Jun 10, 2011

Thanks for sharing. I enjoy arugula in salads.

send a green star

KS G.

4:32AM PST on Dec 29, 2010

Thanks for the article.

Erin flu R.

12:36PM PST on Jan 27, 2010

interesting :-)

Mervi R.

5:08PM PST on Dec 24, 2009

Thanks!

4:00PM PST on Dec 18, 2009

thanks

JE L.

9:15PM PST on Dec 7, 2009

Thanks.

Bee H.

3:37AM PST on Dec 5, 2009

This is on of my basic vegetables for completing any salad.

Martha N.

7:06PM PST on Nov 28, 2009

I buy arugula from the "chinampas" in Xochimilco, Mexico. It´s soooo good.

James R. S.

8:13AM PST on Nov 10, 2009

I have three copies of the Tao Te Ching. I recommend you all at
least borrow one from your public library. You likely will purchase one soon after. I am Definitely Christian, and see NO conflict between them, rather a great deal of mutual agreement.