JICAMA
What is Jicama?
Jicama is a sweet, flavorful root vegetable that has a light, crunchy texture. It is as sweet as a fruit and can be used in many different types of dishes. Jicama is equally flavorful, raw or cooked. You can find in the produce section of most supermarkets. It closely resembles the look of the potato, tastes similar to an apple and has a texture like a radish. It may also be called a yam been root or Mexican potato, but it is technically classified as a legume.
What do you look for in Jicama?
When picking out jicama, you want to choose roots that are smooth skinned, firm and dry. Do not choose the largest ones, because they may have a more woody flavor and not be as sweet. Although jicama can be planted and grown year round, it peaks during the winter season. Store it in a cool dry place to prevent mold.
How do you prepare Jicama?
Jicama can be eaten raw or cooked. Wash and trim it, and then peel off the outer brown skin. To cook jicama, you can boil it in a small amount of water for about 5 minutes, until crisp tender. You can also deep fry it and serve as a substitute for potato french fries. It is also extremely popular to eat jicama raw. You can simply cut it into strips and add to it to a vegetable platter. Jicama is a tasty addition to any fruit or vegetable salad. It is also delicious sprinkled with a little lime juice and chili powder.
What are the health benefits of Jicama?
Jicama health benefits are numerous because it is low in calories and an excellent source of fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, and vitamins C and E. In fact, 1 cup of jicama contains nearly 6 grams of fiber. Jicama helps keep your cholesterol levels under control and may help protect against heart disease. Eating jicama also helps boost your immune system, promotes healthy bones, and protects against colds and flu.
