Jicama
Jicama (pronounced Hicama) is an amazingly healthy root vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber and vitamin C. A relative of the common potato, jicama is a popular dietary staple in Mexico and Central America. Not surprisingly, jicama is also known as the Mexican potato, Mexican yam bean and the Chinese turnip.
Jicama has brownish skin and is shaped like turnip or a large radish. Its cruncy texture makes it a good substitute for water chestnut. Peeling the skin reveals its white flesh which tastes like a milder version of an apple or pear. Unlike apples, it does not discolor when exposed to the open air for a while.
Raw jicama sticks sprinkled with chili powder and lime juice is a poular Mexican way to eat jicama. When jicama is used in cooking it tends to take on the flavors of the ingredients that it is combined with. Jicama is a very versatile vegetable that can be added to salads or stir-fry dishes.
Jicama is available year-round. When purchasing jicama, select tubers that are firm and have dry roots. Make sure that the jicama has an unblemished skin and that is not bruised. Once purchased, store jicama for up to two weeks in a plastic bag in your refrigerator.
Source: www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov
Image by Midoro available under GNU Free Documentation license, Version 1.2
Jicama (pronounced Hicama) is an amazingly healthy root vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber and vitamin C. A relative of the common potato, jicama is a popular dietary staple in Mexico and Central America. Not surprisingly, jicama is also known as the Mexican potato, Mexican yam bean and the Chinese turnip.
Jicama has brownish skin and is shaped like turnip or a large radish. Its cruncy texture makes it a good substitute for water chestnut. Peeling the skin reveals its white flesh which tastes like a milder version of an apple or pear. Unlike apples, it does not discolor ..
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