Van-Whole Produce

Jicama is an edible root crop that resembles the appearance of a turnip. It was originally cultivated in Mexico, and South America; which makes it a widely used ingredient in Mexican cuisine. Then, it was introduced to different Southeast Asia countries; such as Philippines, Indonesia and China. Jicama is a legume; it grows on vine that tends to hug the ground, and it can reach up to 5m in length. Jicama that is available in the market for consumption weight about 3 to 4 pounds on average. Jicama has a coarse outer skin in tan color, which should be peeled before consumption, and its flesh is white. It has a natural sweet and nutty taste, succulent and crunchy like water chestnut; which makes it a great ingredient in cooked dishes, salad, or pickled. When shopping for jicama, always look for well-formed fresh tuber, which is free for cracks and bruises.

Nutritional Facts

Jicama is low in calories; but it is an excellent source of dietary fiber, and oligofructose inulin. Inulin is a zero calorie sweet inert carbohydrate, and it does not metabolize in the human body; which makes Jicama an ideal sweet snack for diabetics and dieters. Jicama is rich in vitamin C. Every 100g of jicama, provide about 34% of daily recommended amount of vitamin C. It also contains some of valuable B-complex group vitamins, such as folates, riboflavin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid and thiamin; and minerals, such as magnesium, copper, iron and manganese. Its nutrient content makes jicama one of the healthiest vegetables that is suitable for most people.