Jicama (pronounced HEE-kah-mah) is not a vegetable I would have thought to try but I am glad I did. It is referred to ad a Mexican Turnip, Mexican Yam or even Mexican potato.
Chopped, cubed, sliced into fine sticks, raw or cooked, jicama is versatile and great in stir-fries, salads, slaw, soup, and with other veggies and fruits like oranges, apples, carrots, and onions, as well as meats and seafood. A favorite Mexican recipe is chilled jicama slices sprinkled with chili powder, salt, and lime juice.
Jicama is low in calories, an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C – 44% of the daily value per serving – and a powerful antioxidant that zaps free radicals to protect against cancer, inflammation, viral cough, cold, and infections.
Besides healthy amounts of potassium it can help promote heart health, since high-potassium vegetables and fruit are linked to lower risks of heart disease. Jicama contains important vitamins like folates, riboflavin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, and thiamin, and the minerals magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese.
Jicama makes a great potato substitute as is it only has 5.1g net carbs per cup and potatoes have 24.5g net carbs per cup.
