Ashleigh Smith + photo

Ashleigh Smith

Apr 11
2 min read
bubble 1

What is Jicama, and how can you use it? Jicama is a root vegetable also known as the Mexican potato, Chinese turnip, and Mexican Water Chestnut. This root can be used raw or cooked with crunchy but juicy flesh and a nutty flavor. It is most commonly used in Mexican, Thai, and Asian cooking for salads or dips. But it can also be peeled and eaten raw.

If you are feeling up to trying something new, pick one of these guys up at your local grocery store. Peel it, cut it into strips or bites, and add lemon or lime juice. A fresh Jicama will stay good for two to three weeks in a cool, dry place before being cut. Once cut, it should be refrigerated.

Jicama is also a member of the Fabaceae family, the same family as peas and beans. Unlike peas and beans, the bulbous root is the only edible part of a Jicama vine. Do not eat its leaves or pods. This family of plants is known for its nitrogen fixation properties, enabling soil nitrogen to be made available to plants. If you live in an area with nutrient-poor soils, this is a great plant to help restore your soil to better health.

Do you live in a hot climate? Try growing our Thai Jicama from seed. It grows well in temperatures over 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not plant before the last potential frost because it is not frost tolerant. It also requires a long growing season, as you should plan on it taking 6-9 months to harvest. The root will vary in size but generally reaches 5 inches in diameter.

Our Recommended Picks

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

1 comments

Stephanie Gurland

Thank you for the information. Really enjoyed learning. I’m a city bred gal and need all the help I can get.


  1. What a No-Till Michigan Market Farm Can Teach You About Growing FoodSustainable Green Wagon Michigan Farm growing kale

    What a No-Till Michigan Market Farm Can Teach You About Growing Food

    Written By Lara Wadsworth I drove 20 minutes out of the city, past the Grand Rapids airport, with airplanes flying overhead. My GPS instructs me to turn down a dirt road, and I slowly drive to the end of the lane. Passing homes and countless trees, I f...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-07-02
    8 min read
    bubble 0
  2. July  Planting Guide By Zonehands holding garlic with summer squash and carrots on a table

    July Planting Guide By Zone

    Written By Lara Wadsworth Summer is in full swing. July is here, and most of us are celebrating holidays, going camping, and (of course), tending to our gardens! Even though a lot is done in the spring for gardens, July is also brimming with potential....


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-07-02
    11 min read
    bubble 0
  3. Grass to Garden: Transforming Your Outdoor Space With Raised Bedsraised beds filled with leafy greens

    Grass to Garden: Transforming Your Outdoor Space With Raised Beds

    Written By Lara Wadsworth Looking to turn your lawn into a productive, easy-to-manage garden? One of the best ways to convert grass, turf, or weeds into a flourishing garden space is by using raised garden beds. Whether you’re dreaming of fresh vegetab...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-06-24
    6 min read
    bubble 1
  4. How to Protect Your Garden from Heat Stress: Summer Plant Care Tipswoman gathers a summer harvest from the garden

    How to Protect Your Garden from Heat Stress: Summer Plant Care Tips

    Written By Lara Wadsworth Summer is here, and the heat is turning up. As the sun becomes more intense and daytime temperatures routinely soar, some plants struggle to cope. Sunburn, sunscald, leaf scorch, and heat stress are common problems that plants...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-06-17
    8 min read
    bubble 0