So, you’ve stumbled upon a recipe calling for jicama, but you have no idea what jicama tastes like. You’re curious, understandably. What is this intriguing vegetable, and more importantly, what does jicama taste like? 

It’s a question that’s often asked. And the answer, while simple, is also a little bit surprising. Jicama isn’t your typical root vegetable, and its unique flavor and texture make it a versatile and refreshing addition to a variety of dishes.

The mildness, combined with its satisfying crunch, is what makes jicama such a popular ingredient in cuisines around the world. So, if you’re ready to unlock the secrets of this intriguing vegetable, keep reading to discover the nuances of jicama’s flavor profile and all the delicious ways you can enjoy it.

What Is Jicama?

Jicama is a root vegetable. It is also known as the Mexican turnip or yam bean. The part of the plant that is eaten is the large, bulbous root, which has a thin brown skin and white flesh. Jicama is a member of the legume family, although it is not a bean. It grows on a vine and is harvested once the root is mature.   

Jicama has a crisp, juicy texture and a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.

It is often eaten raw or cooked. Jicama is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. It is also low in calories and fat.   

Related: What Is Jicama?

Is Jicama a Vegetable Or a Fruit?

Jicama is a vegetable native to Mexico and Central America.

Peeling Jicama Skin

To peel a jicama, start by washing it thoroughly under cold water and trimming off both ends. Then, using a paring knife or vegetable peeler, carefully remove the tough outer skin. You will want to work from top to bottom to ensure that you remove all of the skin. Once peeled, you can enjoy the crisp, white flesh of the jicama in a variety of ways.

What Does Jicama Taste Like?

Jicama has a refreshingly mild and slightly sweet flavor. It is often described as a cross between an apple and a water chestnut. Its crisp, juicy flesh offers a subtle sweetness with a hint of nuttiness, making it a versatile ingredient.

Unlike some root vegetables, jicama isn’t starchy or earthy tasting. Its delicate flavor profile makes it a blank canvas for other flavors. Jicama can shine in either sweet or savory dishes.

The texture of jicama contributes significantly to its appeal. It’s incredibly crisp and crunchy. This crispness, combined with its juicy nature, makes it a refreshing and satisfying snack.

The mild sweetness and lack of strong, overpowering flavors allow jicama to pair well with a variety of ingredients.. It can be eaten raw, adding a pleasant crunch to salads and slaws, or cooked, where it retains its texture surprisingly well.

Ways To Enjoy Jicama

Jicama’s versatility shines through in its many uses. Here are some popular ways for you to try it:

Raw:

Snacking: Cut into sticks or slices and enjoyed plain, with a squeeze of lime or lemon, or sprinkled with chili powder.

Salads: Add to green salads, fruit salads, or slaws for a refreshing crunch.

Salsas: Use as a base or addition to salsas, adding texture and mild sweetness.

Wraps and Tacos: Add shredded jicama to wraps or tacos for added crunch.

Cooked:

Stir-fries: Add to stir-fries for a crisp and slightly sweet element.

Roasted: Roast jicama sticks or chunks for a healthier alternative to fries.

Air-fried: Air-fry jicama for a crispy texture.

Soups and Stews: Add diced jicama to soups and stews for a subtle sweetness and texture.

Fritters: Make jicama fritters for a savory treat.

Other:

Dips: Use jicama sticks or slices for dipping in hummus, guacamole, or other dips.

Marinades: Marinate jicama slices in a flavorful dressing for a refreshing appetizer.

Desserts: Add diced jicama to fruit salads or use it as a base for light desserts.

Juice: Juice jicama for a refreshing and hydrating drink.

No matter how you eat jicama, we are sure that you will enjoy it! Looking for more ways to enjoy jicama? Check out our Pinterest page for more recipe ideas!