Sometimes referred to as a Mexican potato, jicama is a starchy, crisp root vegetable that is most frequently enjoyed raw.

It has the texture of a pear-meets potato-meets unsweetened apple. It’s a little watery, but also has a ton of crunch.

Is it healthy?

Jicama is low in sugar and carbohydrates and is considered a good source of fiber. According to the USDA, 1 cup of jicama has 6 grams of fiber and only 49 calories.

How do I eat it?

Jicama is generally enjoyed peeled, cut into matchsticks and eaten raw. A native to Mexico and Central America, it’s commonly sold on the street, seasoned with lime juice and chili powder.

May we suggest enjoying it as an alternative to carrot sticks – delicious on its own, with a dip or tossed over your salad. The crunchy texture also makes for a great slaw – add in shredded cabbage, avocado, even a mango for a burger or taco topping.