Introduction

Jicama is a good source of vitamin C, and also contains some potassium, iron and calcium. One cup of jicama has only 50 calories. Shaped like a flattened turnip, it has a thin, brown skin and crisp, white flesh much like an apple.

Jicama has a crunchy texture and sweet, bland flavor that makes it an excellent addition to anything from fruit cups to stir-fry dishes.

Keep vegetable sticks like jicama, carrots, celery and peppers in the refrigerator for snacks.

JicamaEat healthy logo

Jicama And Orange Salad

Place torn lettuce in a large bowl. Peel and section an orange. Cut orange sections in quarters. Peel raw jicama and cut small strips like match sticks. Toss orange and jicama pieces with the lettuce. Serve with ranch dressing or vinegar and oil.

Jicama In The Raw

Peel raw jicama. Cut into 1/4- inch slices (or sticks). Place in ice water for crisping. Drain and serve raw slices or sticks sprinkled with lime juice and chili powder, with salsa or salad dressing, or in salads.

Did You Know?

  • The growing popularity of Mexican food has made jicama a favorite in the United States.
  • You can peel a jicama and eat it just like an apple, but no seeds.
  • Jicama is often called the Mexican potato. You can even bake it like a potato.
Wilson, M. 2011, Jicama, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-22

If you need more information.

Please contact Extension's Communication Team for assistance.

 

Also of Interest:

 
Somali Summer Salad
Somali Summer Salad
A delicious summer salad to serve when summer vegetables are at their peak. Great with grilled meat, fish, and tofu.
Mazzullo, N. 2025, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, Recipes
Vegetarian Chili
Vegetarian Chili Mazzullo, N. 2025, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, Recipes
Nevada’s Priority Agricultural Weeds: Perennial Pepperweed
Perennial pepperweed is a long-lived perennial weed native to Eurasia. This weed arrived in North America as an ornamental plant, but subsequently spread throughout the Western states, where it inhabits many different environmental settings.
B. Schultz, S. Foster 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-21-01
Sweet Bell Peppers
This fact sheet contains great facts on sweet bell peppers and two recipes that anyone can do to eat healthier.
Wilson, M. 2011, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-28
Hummus Red Pepper
Hummus Red Pepper
Hummus Red Pepper
Weding, H. 2024, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, Recipes
 

Associated Programs

Kids and teacher dancing with colored scarves in a classroom

All 4 Kids Program

Extension's All 4 Kids Program and its annual Healthy Kids Festival use activities, music, dance and food to teach kids and their families in Clark and Lincoln Counties nutrition, physical activity and self-acceptance.