Jicama (pronounced HEE-kuh-muh) is a round root vegetable native to Mexico, and Central and South America. It can be purchased at supermarkets (Kroger, Meijers, Walmart, etc.) in the produce section.
Jicama has been part of the Mexican diet for centuries. It is regularly sold from food carts at Mexican markets, beaches, and bus stops. A favorite Mexican recipe is chilled jicama slices sprinkled with chili powder, salt and lime juice. CookingInMexico, MexConnect
Jicama is also popular in China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and parts of Southeast Asia. StyleCraze
It has a crunchy texture similar to a pear or a raw potato. It has a sweet and nutty flavor that tastes like a cross between a pear and a water chestnut.
9 Reasons You Will Love Jicama
1. Wonderful Taste - it is light and refreshing with a good crunch and a sweetness. You will be surprised it tastes so good. It is an addictive, satisfying snack.
2. Very Low in Calories - one cup of jicama contains only 49 calories. This is very low compared to other snacks: 1 cup of grapes, 62 calories, 10 Saltine crackers, 120 calories, 1 cup of 1% milk fat cottage cheese, 163 calories and 32 Nabisco Wheat Thin Crackers, 280 calories.
3. ExtremelyVersatile - it can be eaten raw or cooked. Jicama can be chopped, cubed, sliced into fine sticks, spiralized or shredded. It can be used in fruit or savory salads, stir-fries, soups, or with dips and salsas. It can be steamed or microwaved and served with butter and honey, or added raw to chicken salad or potato salad. It is ideal for vegetable or fruit trays because it does not discolor, even after a few hours on the buffet table
6. Increases "Good" Bacteria in the Gut - jicama is high in inulin, which is a prebiotic fiber. A diet high in prebiotics increases the population of “good” bacteria in your gut and decreases the number of unhealthy bacteria. Studies have shown that the types of bacteria in your gut may affect your weight, immune system and even mood. HealthLine
7. Helps Control Weight - research has shown that eating jicama can decrease blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and help you feel full longer. HealthLine
9. Improves Circulation - jicama contains iron and copper, both of which are necessary for healthy red blood cells. HealthLine Copper helps your body absorb iron from the food that you eat and releases iron when it is needed in your essential organs. Circulation is improved by maintaining the iron levels in your blood. Pangeabed
Slices sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar
Slices sprinkled with chili powder, salt and lime juice
Fruit Salad with mango, pineapple, jicama, watermelon and cucumbers, seasoned with lime juice and chili powder.
Chicken Sitr Fry
Jicama Chips
Salsa
Even though Jicama does not look appetizing it is surprisingly delicious. It can be eaten alone or added to many recipes. And the best part of all it is low in calories and nutritious. You should try it!
Jicama is also popular in China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and parts of Southeast Asia. StyleCraze
It has a crunchy texture similar to a pear or a raw potato. It has a sweet and nutty flavor that tastes like a cross between a pear and a water chestnut.
9 Reasons You Will Love Jicama
1. Wonderful Taste - it is light and refreshing with a good crunch and a sweetness. You will be surprised it tastes so good. It is an addictive, satisfying snack.
2. Very Low in Calories - one cup of jicama contains only 49 calories. This is very low compared to other snacks: 1 cup of grapes, 62 calories, 10 Saltine crackers, 120 calories, 1 cup of 1% milk fat cottage cheese, 163 calories and 32 Nabisco Wheat Thin Crackers, 280 calories.
3. ExtremelyVersatile - it can be eaten raw or cooked. Jicama can be chopped, cubed, sliced into fine sticks, spiralized or shredded. It can be used in fruit or savory salads, stir-fries, soups, or with dips and salsas. It can be steamed or microwaved and served with butter and honey, or added raw to chicken salad or potato salad. It is ideal for vegetable or fruit trays because it does not discolor, even after a few hours on the buffet table
4. Easy Way To Add Fiber To Your Diet - jicama is naturally high in fiber with 6.4 grams per 1 cup serving. Currently, adults in the United States consume only half of the recommended daily amount. UCSFHealth Consuming one serving of jicama will provide 25 - 30% of the recommended intake of fiber per day for women, and 17 - 20% of the recommended intake per day for men. LiveStrong
5. Brightens Skin - regular consumption of jicama is believed to improve skin health, improve skin tone, help heal wounds easily, and make skin healthy and fresh. SkinTreatmentz
5. Brightens Skin - regular consumption of jicama is believed to improve skin health, improve skin tone, help heal wounds easily, and make skin healthy and fresh. SkinTreatmentz
6. Increases "Good" Bacteria in the Gut - jicama is high in inulin, which is a prebiotic fiber. A diet high in prebiotics increases the population of “good” bacteria in your gut and decreases the number of unhealthy bacteria. Studies have shown that the types of bacteria in your gut may affect your weight, immune system and even mood. HealthLine
7. Helps Control Weight - research has shown that eating jicama can decrease blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and help you feel full longer. HealthLine
8. Excellent Source of Vitamin C - one serving of jicama (one cup) provides 43% of the recommended daily amount. Vitamin C is important for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body.
Note: Always peel Jicama and discard the skin. The skin, leaves, stems, pods and seeds contain a dangerous toxin and cannot be consumed.
As mentioned above Jicama can be prepared many different ways. The Tangled Thai Salad is delicious. Jicama is prepared using a spiralizer, but it also could be diced. Given below are some other ideas to try:
As mentioned above Jicama can be prepared many different ways. The Tangled Thai Salad is delicious. Jicama is prepared using a spiralizer, but it also could be diced. Given below are some other ideas to try:
Slices sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar
Slices sprinkled with chili powder, salt and lime juice
Fruit Salad with mango, pineapple, jicama, watermelon and cucumbers, seasoned with lime juice and chili powder.
Chicken Sitr Fry
Jicama Chips
Salsa
Even though Jicama does not look appetizing it is surprisingly delicious. It can be eaten alone or added to many recipes. And the best part of all it is low in calories and nutritious. You should try it!
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