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5 Unexpected Things To Do With Jicama

Jicama
(credit: Melissa's)

If you're not familiar with the virtues of Jicama (pronounced hee-koo-ma), it's about time you were.  This root vegetable, native to Mexico, is available nearly year-round and is an excellent source of both vitamin C and fiber.  It's sweet and starchy with white flesh and the crisp crunch of an apple and is just as tasty cooked, as it is raw. Not sure what to do with your jicama beyond the veggies and dip platter? Try one of these suggestions and use jicama in a new and unexpected way.

Jicama with chili and lime.
(credit: Leslie Sarna, www.thedaintyvegetarian.com)

Sprinkle With Chili And Lime

Grand Central Market

317 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 624-2378

Jicama is roughly 85% water and at only 49 calories per cup, makes a tasty and healthy snack.  In Mexico and Central America, jicama is traditionally peeled, sliced and then sprinkled with chili-spiked salt and a spritz of lime for a sweet and spicy treat. Look for it this summer on street corners from vendors selling fresh sliced fruits and juices and at your local farmer's market.

Coleslaw
(credit: Getty Images)

Mix Into Coleslaw

Homegirl Café And Catering

130 W. Bruno St.
Los Angeles CA 90012
(213) 617-0380
More Info

Jicama's sweetness pairs well with cabbage and carrot, which is why you'll find it in virtually all of the salads at Homegirl Café in Downtown LA. Just be sure to add some citrus to the dressing to maintain its bright white color!

Jicama Sticks
(credit: Christianne Winthrop)

Take It To A Cocktail Party

Jennifer Martello, Personal Chef

More Info

Jicama is sturdy, making it perfect for holding in one hand at a cocktail party, according to Jennifer Martello, a personal chef in Redondo Beach. When sliced thinly and cut into two-inch squares, it makes a great, gluten-free alternative to a cracker. Martello suggests topping jicama squares with a creamy hummus or black bean dip and garnish with grated carrots for a healthy canapé.

Jicama Stirfry
(credit: IndochineKitchen.com)

Stir Fry

Whole Foods

1425 Montana Ave
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 576-4707
More Info

Out of water chestnuts? Laura Martino, Marketing Supervisor for Whole Foods Market Santa Monica says try jicama instead. After peeling and slicing, add to your stir-fry along with the broccoli, carrots and snap peas. Jicama's texture will stand up to high heat, and add a subtle sweetness similar to water chestnuts.

Jicama Fruit Salsa
(credit: Melissa's)

Salsa

Melissa's

P.O. Box 21127
Los Angeles, CA 90021
(800) 588-0151
More Info

Have you ever heard the phrase, "If it grows together, it goes together?" Since jicama is native to Mexico and Central America, it pairs well with other fruits from the same region, including mango, pineapple and papaya. If putting a vegetable in your fruit salad still seems unnatural, try a spicy fruit salsa like this one made from a recipe by Melissa's Produce.

Christianne Winthrop is an LA-based freelance food writer, caterer and culinary instructor She contributes to SeriousEats.com and BrainWorld, among others.

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