What is Jicama?

Jicama is a root vegetable from Mexico.  It is sometimes called the Mexican potato or yam bean.  Jicama is brown on the outside, a creamy white on the inside, oblong in shape, and quite large, similar to an oversized potato.  Jicama has a crisp texture inside, similar to an apple, and is quite starchy.  A healthy jicama feels firm and dry.

What Does Jicama Taste Like?

Jicama has a mild and starchy flavor and may even taste a little sweet.  It is similar to an apple and potato and somewhat similar to a pear or carrot.  It is fresh and nutty.

How Do You Eat Jicama?

Jicama needs to be peeled before eating, but peeled jicama can be eaten raw or cooked.  A popular way to enjoy raw jicama is to sprinkle chili spice and lime over the top.  Since it is crunchy, raw jicama is added to slaws and salads.  Jicama is commonly enjoyed as jicama fries, hash browns, chips, and home fries due to the similar texture to potatoes.  It is even made into rice and taco shells.

Where Can You Buy Jicama?

Jicama is easily found in the produce section of large grocery stores or Latin American food stores year-round.

How Do You Store Jicama?

Store whole, unpeeled jicama in a cool, dry place for 2-3 weeks.  Once you have peeled or cut your jicama, place in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.

Fun Fact About Jicama

Jicama grows underground, but they have above-ground vines that can grow up to 20-feet long.

Did You Know?

The root is the only part of the jicama plant that is safe to eat.  The leaves, flowers, and seeds are toxic, but don’t worry!  These aren’t sold in stores.

Recipes Using Jicama

Jicama Fries

Create a twist on classic fries with jicama fries. Cut jicama into even slices. Toss jicama slices in olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Line jicama slices on a baking sheet and bake until cooked.

Jicama Slaw

Spice up your regular coleslaw recipe with jicama. Cut jicama, carrots, and cabbage into slices. In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, salt, pepper, olive oil, honey, and ancho chile powder. Toss jicama and cabbage with liquid mixture.

Jicama Salad

Pile fresh vegetables into your jicama salad. Dice jicama, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onions. Toss vegetables with a dressing made of olive oil, lemon juice, and cilantro.

Home Fries

Fry up home fries for a great brunch treat. Pour a small amount of olive oil into a skillet. Instead of diced potatoes, use diced jicama. Top with salt, pepper, and paprika and fry until the outsides are golden-brown and the insides are cooked.

Spicy Jicama Sticks

Raw jicama offers a crunch factor to your afternoon snack. Cut jicama into strips. Toss jicama sticks with salt, pepper, chipotle chile powder, and lemon juice.