I am so intrigued by jicama. Maybe it’s the fact that I always forget the silent j when talking about it (resulting in many instances of public humiliation), despite the fact that I know it’s pronounced “hickama.” Or maybe it’s the fact that I just don’t really know what it is. Is it a fruit? A vegetable? Your guess is as good as mine!
After doing some research today I found out that it is, in fact, a vegetable. A root vegetable that is. Am I correct? Here’s a link to some info for further reading. Pretty darn cool!
What I do know for sure is that it tastes delicious! Actually, I have never made anything with it before but have tried it at many restaurants and love it. I figured today was as good as any to give it a go in my own kitchen.
I sliced up the jicama and also added some apple (granny smith and braeburn, although I think pink lady would have been wonderful), carrot, mint, lime zest and juice, sesame oil and salt.
I think it turned out to be a really great salad and will go perfectly over a bed of arugula. I think it would also be great with cilantro and orange rather than mint and apple.
Have you ever had jicama? Have you used any new ingredients lately?
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
I keep trying Jicima because I want to like it but so far I have not found a good way to have it….your salad does make it look very good though!!
Always been curious about that Jicima….but not adventurous enought to try it! Your salad lookes beautiful! Was it as good as it looked?
i have actually never heard of jicama so thank you for informing me of this fruit/vegetable/mystery food :)
jicama rice, i made sushi rolls with it and it is delicious
Mmm that looks fabulous! I’ve gotta get me some. Oh and I used to say Gi-comma so don’t feel bad haha!
I just used coconut oil for the first time!
I had jicama (did not know the j was silent) in a salad similar to the one you made at a restaurant once.
That is one gorgeous dish. I’ve never had jicama! Not that I remember anyway..
I love jicama, but it’s one of the things I always forget about so thanks for reminding me. It’s really great as a dipping tool for sauces, dressings, and nut butters.
Recently I’ve started using Asian eggplant more often. It cooks up a lot more quickly than Italian Eggplant and has a great flavor.
Jicama?! How interesting! I don’t think I have ever come across this vegetable before. Can you find it at most supermarkets or do you need to go to a specialty store of some sort? Most importantly, what does it taste like?
Funny you mention this, I just bought my very first jimica a few days ago. I cut it cup (just as you did) and I have been using it in my salads all week. I love the sweet crispy crunch it adds.
I think making a slaw or a such like you did would be so wonderful with this root veggie!
Thanks for sharing, as always, looks devine!
Yep! Just started using dates WAY more often (hadn’t bought dates and years and now I have massiave handfuls every day), and I recently started enjoying stevia/truvia/nu naturals products. They really do seem to be a good sugar substitute!
If you are interested in possibly winning some healthy donuts I have a giveaway on my blog until next Wednesday :)
The daycare center I attended when I was very young used to cut it up the same way you did and just serve it to us raw along with carrot and celery sticks. I didn’t know what it was at the time and just recently figured it out. I really should start buying some for myself. It would be great in my packed lunches!
I LOVE jicama. My momma introduced me to it, and I’ve never tried making something with it on my own. Your use of it looks divine.
your post reminds me of a friend that told me a long time ago about her “happy days”. A day when she wakes up and decides she is going to be happy all day no matter what. She does little things for herself, eats her fav meals, and just tries to keep a positive spin on everything that day! Though it takes effort, I think it is a great idea and glad to see you can do it without even designating a day for it specifically!!
ps. hummus loving in your pictures!!
Jicama is really good. I love the combination you made with it! It would pair nicely with apples. I haven’t had any in a while. Did you peel off the outer skin and then cut into strips?
-muffy
Totally know what you are saying when you talk about just being well, off. Trying reading an inspirational book like “the bounce back book” or a recovery book? Something to inspire and motivate you. Change up your routine, meet up with friends if you dont do that often, or go to a coffee shop alone and read a book or journal. These are sometimes little changes to give you a new motivation. I’ve totally been in your shoes, hang in there!
~LovePrevails
I’ve used jicama in so many ways! It’s kinda like a potato…you can bake them, roast them, fry them, but usually ppl eat them raw. In Singapore, there is something called popiah that is like a spring roll, and inside is sauteed jicama with crushed peanuts, chopped egg, meat, and spicy sauce. yum~
I read your blog often – and as a jicama-OBSESSED person, thank you for this awesome recipe! I think I might just make this salad tomorrow. I could sit down and eat a whole jicama. It’s great with lime and chili powder… but also perfect with almond or peanut butter. Basically, a perfect food…
I recently tried jicama as part of my “alphabet oats challenge,” (very few foods start with J!) and I am so glad I did. It’s like a cross between an apple and a potato–yum! I recently tried quince too (for my Q bowl of oats), and it was fantastic as well. The world of fruits and veggies is endlessly delicious.
Aaron,
I found this at Publix Greenwise. I think they are in season now so they should be pretty available. It’s crisp, slightly sweet, kind of like a cross between an apple and a carrot. Maybe not as sweet? I really enjoy it!
i have never tried jicama. Your salad look so refreshing and pretty:)
i have never tried jicama, but this salad looks great!
I’ve never even seen a jicama before, but it sure looks neat! I just love finding new foods and trying to figure out what the heck to do with them. Definitely an adventure! ;)
I looooooooooove Jicama! And it is technically a root veggie :)
that jicama salad looks soo fresh and crunchy and tasty!! thanks for the recipe Courtney!!!! :)
I discovered this recently and LOVE it- so yummy in salads :)