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Native
to Mexico and South America, sliced jicama is sold as a street food
with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of fiery chili powder.
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Also known as Mexican potato and yam bean root, jicama is a large,
bulbous root vegetable with thin beige skin and crisp white flesh.
Jicama can be lightly
steamed, baked,
broiled or fried, but it's most
commonly eaten raw, adding fresh crunchy texture to sandwiches and fruit
and vegetable salads. A staple in Central American cuisine, jicama has
a sweet, nutty flavor that can be described as a cross between an
apple
or pear and a cantaloupe.
Buying Tips
Ranging in size from four ounces to six pounds, jicama is available
year-round at most grocery stores and Latin American markets. Choose
one that's free of blemishes and heavy for its size.
Storage Tips
Refrigerated in a plastic bag, jicama will last for about two weeks.
Usage Tips
• Peel the papery skin with a sharp paring knife right before using.
• Cover peeled slices with cold water to keep them crisp.
• Cut into strips and toss with raw vegetable and fruit salads.
• Marinate slices in
lime or orange juice and sprinkle with chili powder.
• Add chunks to
salsas, dips and
guacamole.
• Dip slices in
pico de gallo for a healthy snack.
• Sauté with
carrots or green beans.
• Add slivers to stir-fries, soups or stews near the end of cooking time.
• Boil, bake, fry or mash just as you would
potatoes.
Nutrition Notes
Lower in starch and calories than potatoes, jicama is a good source of
vitamin C. It also contains a fair amount of potassium, iron and
calcium.
Substitution Tips
When jicama is not available, water chestnuts will give recipes a similar crunchy texture.
Try one of our favorite jicama recipes:
Citrus Pickled Vegetables
Shrimp and Jicama Salad with Chile Vinegar
Shrimp Stir Fry
Suggested Pairings
avocados, basil, beans, cabbage,
carrots, chicken, chili powder, cucumber, jalapenos, lemons, limes, onions,
oranges, peanuts, peppers, pork, shrimp, tomatoes
