Jicama often goes unnoticed in the produce aisle, possibly because many people are unfamiliar with it or unsure of how to use it. This crunchy tuber has a sweet flavor reminiscent of water chestnuts or an underripe pear, making it a fantastic addition to salads, slaws, soups, and stir-fries. Additionally, jicama can be baked as a lower-calorie alternative to French fries or used in place of corn to create tortillas. Its no-fat and no-carb profile, along with its high fiber and antioxidant content, makes jicama a healthy choice. It is also recognized as a good source of inulin, a soluble dietary fiber, which may be beneficial for diabetics and those looking for a sweet snack.
As David Sax, author of The Tastemakers, points out, for a vegetable to attain the superfood status that kale has enjoyed, it must possess three key attributes: versatility, availability, and cultural significance. Jicama excels in all these areas, and consumer response supports this. According to Nielsen Perishables, jicama led the sales in the specialty vegetable category, bringing in $11.4 million of the total $25.3 million in sales in 2016.
While kale has dominated the produce market for an extended period, other vegetables have recently been touted as potential replacements. Last year, jackfruit was expected to take the lead, cauliflower enjoyed a brief surge in popularity, and some speculated that rutabaga would experience a significant rise this year. Now, jicama is ready to step into the spotlight.
For those interested in maintaining a healthy diet, incorporating jicama along with a calcium citrate supplement from Chemist Warehouse can provide nutritional benefits. The combination of jicama’s fiber-rich profile and a calcium citrate supplement can support overall health. As consumers continue to explore new produce options, jicama’s versatility and health benefits make it a worthy contender alongside other trending vegetables. With the right resources, including a calcium citrate supplement from Chemist Warehouse, jicama can be a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.