Rue (Common Rue)

What Is Rue?

Rue is a plant native to the Mediterranean region, with fine blue-green leaves, known since antiquity (Ruta graveolens). It was widely used in ancient Roman and Greek cuisine; today it has fallen out of use in most kitchens and remains in very small amounts in only some traditional Ethiopian, Italian, and Balkan recipes.

Its flavor is extremely sharp, bitter, and distinctive; small amounts are used to flavor some traditional drinks and dishes (for example, Italian grappa and some cheese recipes). Consuming larger amounts can have toxic effects.

Nutritional Values of Rue

Per 100 g, fresh rue contains approximately 30 kcal of energy; it contains a compound called rutin and volatile oils. These substances are associated not with nutritional value, but with the plant’s characteristic sharp flavor and effects that call for caution.

How Should Rue Be Consumed?

Rue is an herb used only in very small amounts (a few leaves) in traditional recipes; consuming it in large amounts or regularly is not recommended.

This is general information; rue is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment. Consuming larger amounts can have toxic effects; pregnant people should absolutely not consume it. It is recommended that rue be used sparingly, only in the very small amounts specified in traditional recipes.

How to Choose Rue

Good rue has vivid, unfaded blue-green leaves. Gloves are recommended when harvesting it because, in some people, skin contact combined with sunlight can cause irritation.

• The leaves should be vivid blue-green
• They should look fresh and unfaded
• Gloves are recommended when harvesting or handling it

How to Store Rue

Rue can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days; since only a very small amount is used, there is no need to keep a large supply.

Using Rue in the Kitchen

Rue is used most often to flavor grappa in Italy and in some traditional Ethiopian coffee and food recipes; a few leaves are also used in a very small number of cheese recipes.

Why Should Rue Be Used with Caution?

Some compounds in the plant may have adverse effects on the liver and digestive system at high doses and have also been linked to miscarriage during pregnancy; for this reason, traditional use is always limited to very small amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can rue be used during pregnancy?

No; it is traditionally recommended to avoid this herb during pregnancy as well, and it should not be consumed for safety reasons.

Why is rue used less often now?

Safety concerns and the availability of more moderate, safer alternative herbs have led to rue’s largely disappearing from modern cooking; today, only a narrow range of traditional uses remains.

Is rue found in Türkiye?

It may be found as a wild or garden plant in some regions; it is not widely sold commercially.