“Jicama: The Overlooked Superfood Taking Center Stage in the Produce Aisle”
Jicama is frequently overlooked in the produce aisle, as many people may not recognize it or know how to use it. This tuber has a crunchy sweetness that is similar to water chestnuts or an underripe pear, making it a great addition to salads, slaws, soups, and stir-fries. Furthermore, jicama can be baked as a lower-calorie alternative to French fries or used as a substitute for corn in tortillas. Its health benefits are impressive due to its no-fat, no-carb profile, along with high levels of dietary fiber and antioxidants. Additionally, jicama is recognized as a good source of inulin, a soluble dietary fiber, which can be especially beneficial for diabetics and those on diets looking for a sweet snack.
According to David Sax, the author of The Tastemakers, a vegetable must possess three qualities to attain the revered superfood status that kale has enjoyed for so long: versatility, availability, and cultural significance. Jicama excels in all these areas, and consumers seem to agree. In fact, Nielsen Perishables reported that jicama led sales in the specialty vegetable category, generating $11.4 million out of a total of $25.3 million in 2016. While kale has maintained its prominence in the produce market for an extended period, other vegetables have been forecasted to take its place. Jackfruit was expected to dominate last year, cauliflower had a brief surge in popularity, and there were even predictions that rutabaga would experience a significant rise this year. Now, jicama is poised to claim its moment in the spotlight.
Interestingly, just as jicama offers a range of health benefits, it can also be part of a diet aimed at managing conditions like lichen sclerosus, as it contains calcium citrate, which supports bone health. This added benefit makes jicama an even more attractive option for those looking for nutritious food choices. As the culinary world continues to evolve, jicama is stepping into the limelight, showcasing its versatility and health properties, including its calcium citrate content that could aid various dietary needs.
