it’s jicama.
I had heard of it but don’t think I ever tried it until a trip to Mexico with Lauren, where we discovered that we loved jicama.
We also came in second and third in a mechanical bull riding competition on the beach, but that’s a story for another day.
Jicama has a unique taste and texture.
It’s crunchy and juicy, with a taste that is a strange combo of apple, potato and sugar snap pea. Different, but good. And it’s pretty easy to find year round in the produce section.
When I started doing some research, I found that there are some legit benefits to making jicama part of your happy, healthy and hot lifestyle.
Jicama is a root vegetable that is originally from Mexico. But compared to other root vegetables like potatoes, it is lower in carbs and higher in fiber. Jicama acts as a prebiotic, meaning that it feeds the good bacteria living in our digestive tract.
Being high in fiber and water and low in sugar, jicama is filling and can support weight loss and blood sugar control. It’s a good source of vitamin C, which brightens the skin and promotes formation of new collagen.
So what do you actually do with jicama?
Just peel it and cut it up…I like sticks. Trader Joe’s sells it already cut this way. Sadly no TJ’s here in Central PA. Peeling it is the worst part…after that it’s easy.
Most of the time I just munch on it plain, like other raw veggies. It’s also surprisingly good with a squeeze of lime and sprinkle of chili powder. Sounds strange but try it.
Jicama is great on a crudité platter with any type of dip. I really like it with guac.
Cubed or cut into thin strips, it adds crunch and subtle sweetness to a salad. I had it in a taco salad in Austin last month.
The thin white strips are jicama
I have seen recipes where jicama was used as a substitute for potatoes, to make less starchy french fries or hash browns. Let’s get real here. I’m not going to that much trouble and I doubt you are either.
So, can jicama help you feel happy, healthy and hot? Definitely!
You’ll be happy eating something crunchy and delicious. The vitamin C and prebiotic fiber make jicama very healthy, supporting collagen production, skin brightening, and weight loss. With that gorgeous skin and fit body you’ll be hot for sure!
Thanks for reading! Have you tried jicama?
I LOVE jicama. We don’t have access to it much in Alaska, but when we travel to Mexico we eat it daily. I’ve made a “potato” salad out of cubed jicama- it was delish and not that much work. 😉
Hey Katie, thanks for checking in. The potato salad idea sounds great and pretty easy! Yes to eating jicama every day in Mexico!!!!