Jicama: the Mexican potato
- Jenny Rose
- Jun 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 30
Jicama (hee-kah-mah) is one of my favorite foods to eat in Mexico. I first learned of this tuber years ago while working at a high end restaurant in Chicago while paying my way to earn a Masters of Arts in Education. It was presented to us by the chef in a salad as a rather uncommon, exotic ingredient in a refreshing salad that complemented an exquisite dish of the day. The appearance is uncommon and exotic but after living in Mexico for well over a decade it has become a common staple in my diet rendering it now common but still exotic.
Why exotic? First, let me describe a jicama as I find it rather strikingly strange. It looks like a large brown turnip and can weigh in at a minimum of 1 to 2 kilos ( 2 to 4 pounds more or less) making it a heavy haul from the market. The outside is a light brown fibrous covering that feels like paper. It is difficult to peel and slice, requiring much effort, strength and caution.
Once I cut it and can lay one side flat it makes it easier to slice. I have tried to peel it before with a peeler but found it easier to use a knife to peel away the outer covering. Then once all is peeled away cut it up into slices in shapes of sticks looking like very straight french fries.
Which leads me to explain that this is also known as the Mexican potato. The inside does appear to look like the milky white insides of an Idaho potato and there is a potato-like texture, too. However, it also has a fresh, crunchy texture like celery.
My favorite way to eat raw jicama sticks is with a spritz of lime and a hit of Tajin. You can find jicama served all over Mexico in various ways but the most common I see is on the streets served in cups often alone or accompanied by sticks of cucumber and carrot, too, with lime and chile. It is not only tasty but also healthy.
Some of the health benefits include being a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It can aid in weight management, improve digestion, and potentially help regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, jicama contains prebiotic fiber which supports gut health.
Buen Provecho!
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