Jicama Salad!
Ever tried jicama? Ever heard of it? If not, then you are in luck. Jicama (pron. hee-ka-ma) is a common root vegetable in Mexico. Called "Mexican yam" or "Mexican turnip," jicama tastes more like a combination of water chestnut for its crunchiness and apple for its slight sweetness. Jicama's health benefits include high fiber, extremely low calorie count and a low score on the glycemic index, which may make it good for diabetics (for more information about jicama's health benefits, click on this link: http://foodfacts.mercola.com/jicama.html ).
Jicama is a bit of a different taste. My mom used to make it when I was a kid and I must admit I wasn't that fond of it. However, as an adult with more grown up taste (and open mind!) I really have developed an appreciation for this root. Mexicans commonly make salsas or salads from jicama. Its fresh crispness is just perfect for this use. Below I have posted a very simple but delicious jicama salad recipe. You will notice that as an option you can add a bit of red onion and salt. It's good, but I actually found that I prefer the salad without these ingredients. Their strong flavors tend to block the natural sweetness of the jicama, brought out by the lime juice. However, I give you both options to try and you decide which one you like best.
Jicama Salad
Makes about 2 cups (depending on the size of the jicama)
Ingredients:
1 jicama
2 limes
1/2 red pepper
1/2 cucumber, peeled
1/4 red onion (optional)
1/4 tsp. salt (optional)
Peel the tough, brown skin off the jicama. Cut in half and then thin slices. Place jicama into a bowl and set aside.
Jicama is a bit of a different taste. My mom used to make it when I was a kid and I must admit I wasn't that fond of it. However, as an adult with more grown up taste (and open mind!) I really have developed an appreciation for this root. Mexicans commonly make salsas or salads from jicama. Its fresh crispness is just perfect for this use. Below I have posted a very simple but delicious jicama salad recipe. You will notice that as an option you can add a bit of red onion and salt. It's good, but I actually found that I prefer the salad without these ingredients. Their strong flavors tend to block the natural sweetness of the jicama, brought out by the lime juice. However, I give you both options to try and you decide which one you like best.
Jicama Salad
Makes about 2 cups (depending on the size of the jicama)
Ingredients:
1 jicama
2 limes
1/2 red pepper
1/2 cucumber, peeled
1/4 red onion (optional)
1/4 tsp. salt (optional)
Peel the tough, brown skin off the jicama. Cut in half and then thin slices. Place jicama into a bowl and set aside.
Dice peppers, cucumbers and red onion (if using) very fine. Add to the jicama. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and add salt if you are using it. Stir well and serve cold or at room temperature.
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