Jicama


Whole and cut Jicama Tubers [Mexican Yam Bean, Saa Got (China), man kaew (Thai), cu san (Viet), sankalu (Hindi), kuzu-imo (Japan), singkamas (Philippine), bangkwang (Malay), Pachyrhizus erosus]

Jicama (say HEE-ka-mah) is one of only a few bean plants where a root tuber is the edible part. Immature bean pods are cooked in some countries but mature pods, beans, leaves and stalks are highly toxic. In the U.S. only the root tubers are available. The photo specimen (6-1/4 inches across, 2-1/2 pounds) is deeply lobed, but they are commonly without lobes.

Erosus came from Mexico, but is now widely grown in Southeast Asia, the Philippines, China and India. The crisp, white, mildly sweet flesh is most commonly just peeled and eaten raw, but in Asia it is often cooked. It retains its crispness but quickly absorbs flavors from sauces and other ingredients.

More on Beans, Peas and Lentils.



Whole and cut Philippine Jicama Tubers The Jicamas in the photo to the left are typical of those grown in the Philippines. They are only about 3 inches in diameter and 4-1/2 ounces, but are very sweet compared to our Mexican Jicamas. These were purchased from a Philippine market in Los Angeles (Eaglerock).

Buying

:   Jicamas can be found in just about any market serving a Latin American or Southeast Asian community, and even in many regular supermarkets. You want them to be of moderate size because than can get a little fibrous when very large. They should be very firm and without discolored or soft spots.

Storing:

 

Jicama can be kept a couple of weeks unwrapped in a cool dry place, but once cut should be used within a week. It won't really keep much longer refrigerated.

Preparing:

  Basically, just peel and cut.

Cooking:

  In Asian recipes Jicama is often cut into strips and included in stir fries, where they contribute a crunchy texture and absorb flavors from the sauce. Outside Asia they are normally eaten raw in salads and the like.

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