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Jicama is a delicious starchy root vegetable that has some amazing benefits! Keep reading here for more about what it is and how to use it!
What is jicama?
Jicama is a root vegetable that is native to Mexico and used throughout Latin American countries.
The plant thrives in warm climates and grows on long vines close to the ground. However, the leaves and seeds are toxic, so only the root portion can be eaten.
It looks similar to a potato or turnip, with brown skin and starchy, white flesh. The edible part, which is underneath the outer peel, is very juicy and crunchy.
Other names for this vegetable include yam bean, Mexican potato, and Chinese turnip.
What does jicama taste like?
The flavor of jicama is mild, lightly sweet, and slightly nutty. It’s tastes like a cross between an apple, a potato, a water chestnut, and a pear.
Because it’s mild and starchy, it blends well with other flavors, especially in its raw form. It also easily takes on the flavor of whatever it’s cooked with.
Is jicama healthy?
This root vegetable has several health benefits that make it a great ingredient to cook with.
- Low-carb and low-calorie: The high water content combined with low sugar and fat makes this a low-calorie food. When combined with the high fiber content, it makes for a great alternative to higher carbohydrate vegetables.
- Nutrient dense: It contains a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, especially fiber and potassium. It also contains a high level of Vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and supports the immune system.
- Supports a healthy gut: This tuber is high in a prebiotic called inulin.
Prebiotics are a type of fiber stored in our digestive system to feed probiotics, which are healthy bacteria. Keeping this balance also supports overall health and immune function.
Ways to use it
First, you’ll want to remove the peel. This can be done with a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler. If the peel is thick enough, you may even be able to peel it off with your hands!
Once it’s peeled, you can cut the flesh into strips or cubes, or you can shred it as you would cabbage. It can be eaten raw (like an apple), or cooked (like a potato).
Recipes made with jicama
It’s most often used raw, but you can cook it several different ways as well. Here are some ideas of ways to use it:
- Fries –Cut into matchsticks or cubes and fry or bake them. Serve with your ketchup, mustard or your favorite condiment. Here’s an easy baked jicama fries recipe.
- By itself – It’s often served by Mexican street vendors in thin slices sprinkled with lime juice, chili powder, and salt.
- Fruit cups –Pair it with other fruits like watermelon and pineapple to make authentic Mexican Fruit Cups.
- Slaw – Use it to make a refreshing jicama slaw with cilantro and lime juice, and serve with your favorite Mexican dishes.
You can also find plenty of other recipes that call for jicama. It’s delicious in stir fry, spring rolls, egg salad, and even hash browns!
Where to find jicama
You should be able to find this vegetable year-round in the produce section of the grocery store.
It can also be found in Mexican markets. Make sure to choose one that is firm with dry roots. It shouldn’t have any bruises, dents, or blemishes.
How to store it
In its peel, it will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep it in a sealed plastic bag.
After the peel is removed, it needs to be used within 3 days or it will start to go bad. Store in an airtight container and cover the white flesh with water so it doesn’t dry out.
Leave a Reply
Sue
Sounds super yummy I love eating raw potatoes and this sounds right up my alley!!! Thanks for this ..🫶🏼💜potatoes are my thing raw cooked mashed anyway they are made👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
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Anne
Can I make Mash Potatoes from this adding butter and some cream? Thank you
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Ana @ Isabel Eats
Hi Anne! We’ve never tried that but that sounds super interesting. Give it a try and let us know how it goes!
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Frederic Dudley
I slice it and eat it raw. It’s sweeter than I remember. Maybe because I cut sugar out of my diet. I’d be interested to know which sugar is predominant in jicama. I bought one that was about the size of a duck pin bowling ball and I’m thinking of making the slaw recipe with it.
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martha
first time i read up on jicama.. I am going to try it this weekend for the first time.
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Kay Delamar
Very interesting!
Needing to cut calories n carbs and get weight off, this sounds like a health choice.
I prefer simple quick idas.
I am 71.Reply
Cyndy
Is there any way to preserve jicama such as freezing, etc.
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Ana @ Isabel Eats
Hi Cyndy! You can freeze jicama whole and uncut, or cut and sliced. If you freeze it after its already cut and sliced, keep in mind that the texture won’t be as crisp after it’s defrosted. I hope this helps!
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Pixi
I’ve wanted to try jicama for years. Now I can. I bought three of them!
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KEN BUKOWSKI
can you use it for mashed potatoes? it also seems iy would be good breaded and cooked in air fryer
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Ana @ Isabel Eats
Hi Ken! There is actually a recipe for jicama fries on our site if you wanted to check that out!
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Dar
This is good for diabetes
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Peter Leycester
Does Jicama help remove fat from the body to help with weight loss ?
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Ana @ Isabel Eats
Hi Peter! We suggest consulting with your doctor regarding your specific dietary needs.
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Kathryn McCauley
Can I use jicama to replace potato in a soup or stew?
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Morgan @ Isabel Eats
Hi! Yes, some people use jicama as a low-carb replacement in some soups or stews.
Reply
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