JICAMA have you tried it!

Jicama pronounced (HIC-A-ma)  Is a very yummy vegetable. It is light and crisp. It has a sweet taste.If I had to describe it; I would say it is like a cross between a raw potato, an apple, and a suagar snap pea. It is a great addition to salads. It makes an interesting change instead of the usual vegetables on a relish tray. You have gotta try this vegetable. 

Don't be fooled by its simple mundane appearance. It is shaped like a turnip, yet has the tan color of a potato. It is often called a Mexican potato or Mexican Turnip. There is greatness inside that brown bulb. They are low in calories, and are high in vitamin C. They have quite a bit of fiber. They are a wonderful addition to the diet. The kids seem to love them.

Jicama can be small or they can grow to be very large up to 50 pounds. Avoid bulbs that are twice the size of your fist or larger, they tend to be woody in texture. Choose a smaller size for the most sweetness. Avoid buying Jicama that has dark brown spots or mold growing on them.  Avoid ones bruises or cuts on them.

How to prepare Jicama
1. Pick a medium sized bulb with a dry stem that is firm to the touch.
2. Peel off the outer brown skin to reveal the white flesh inside.
3. cut into desired shape.



Dice or Julienne for salads.  cut into a french fry shape for dipping. It can be  grated or finely chopped in salsa etc.Many prefer to eat them raw, but they can be cooked. Jicama is used  in oriental dishes like  a stir fry or spring rolls. When cooked they end up with a texture similar to waterchestnuts.



 I found a recipe that I am eager to try.

Clementine and jicama salad
8 clementines peeled and cut into 1/4 inch slices
3 cups of jicama julienne cut (matchsticks)
1 small red onion thin sliced
3/4 cup cilantro
1/2 cup queso fresco or mild feta cheese
1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

dressing
1 clove garlic smashed with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp  mush together to make a paste then add
1/4 cup lime juice
6 Tablespoons olive oil

Mix salad ingredients in a bowl then toss with the dressing just before serving.





Just for fun I have included some links below for more reading about  this wonderful vegetable. I hope you will discover a new favorite food in Jicama.

wise geek what is jicama

nutrition and you Jicama