Mexicans love to transform all kinds of ingredients into snacks and treats. The perfect example of this is jicamas, but curiously there is much confusion about whether jicama is a fruit or a vegetable. Here we clear up all your doubts!  

Don't forget that jicama is not only juicy and fresh, but it is also a very versatile ingredient. It can be transformed into jicaletas, dipped in chamoy or chili powder, or used to make crazy snacks. Don't miss the jicama recipes that kiwilimón has for you. 

You can also read: The incredible benefits of eating jicama

Is jicama a fruit or vegetable? 

Jicama is neither a fruit nor a vegetable, as it is actually a tuber from the legume family. This ingredient is of Mexican and Central American origin, but it has reached different parts of the world and has gained much popularity in Asia. 

According to information published by the federal government, the jicama is a close relative of beans, as it grows in a vine form and can reach up to 5 meters in length.

What are the benefits of jicama? 

Jicama with lime and chili is not only the perfect snack due to its combination of flavors and textures, but it also has many health benefits. Here are the most important ones! 

• It keeps you hydrated, as it contains up to 90% water.
• It is low in calories. 
• Jicama contains minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and potassium. 
• It is also rich in vitamin C, a very powerful antioxidant.  
• The Mexican government explains that it contains oligofructose, a substance that cannot be metabolized by the body, making it a good food for people with diabetes. 

How to store jicama? 

At kiwilimón, we recommend consuming jicama immediately after purchasing it, as it can become moldy if it gets wet.  

If you don't consume it immediately, you can store it in a dry, cool place for up to 2 weeks, but do not put it in the refrigerator. If you have already peeled and cut it, keep it in the refrigerator for a couple of days.  

See more: 10 delicious jicama recipes

6 recipes with jicama 

Jicama, a flavorful tuber, is an essential part of Mexican cuisine. We share a list of 6 recipes you can prepare with this ingredient. Which one sounds the most tempting? 

1. Vegetable ring 
This incredible snack is easy to make, light, and even nutritious, as it is prepared with jicama, carrot, and cucumber. Add lime, chili powder, and chamoy, but if you want it to be even more indulgent, add your favorite candies and gummies.  

2. Morelian gazpacho 
The famous Morelian gazpacho is a delight that everyone should try at least once. It is prepared with jicama, pineapple, mango, citrus juice, and Cotija cheese. Serve it very cold and enjoy the fusion of flavors! 

3. Jicama salad 
Do you have jicamas and don't know what to do with them? Prepare this salad that has a homemade vinaigrette giving it an irresistible flavor. It also includes carrot, cucumber, and other ingredients that we all have at home.   

4. Jicama snow 
Refresh yourself with the sweet flavor of this jicama snow. In addition to being an original recipe created by kiwilimón, this snow is also very easy to make. Serve it with chili powder and chamoy for an even more delicious touch.  

5. Jicaletas 
Jicaletas are your best option to make use of those jicamas you have in your kitchen. You can give them different shapes using cookie cutters and also sprinkle different colors and flavors of chili powder on them.  

6. Crazy jicama 
Step away from the usual snacks and prepare this crazy jicama instead, as it includes delicious ingredients like cucumber, pineapple, tamarind candies, Japanese peanuts, spicy peanuts, spicy chickpeas, churros, tamarind skewers, lime juice, and hot sauce. 

Now that you know that jicama is a tuber and has many health benefits, don't hesitate to include it in your meals, dinners, and snacks, as its flavor and juiciness are unmissable. Let's cook with kiwilimón! 

Continue reading: 7 crazy Mexican snacks for kids