Jicama
Pachyrhizus erosus
Jicama is a dense, mildly sweet, hearty vegetable with a pleasing crunch. It's a popular ingredient in many cuisines, like Mexican, and goes well with a wide range of dishes. Toss it in a salad or add it to a soup by slicing or shredding it. Crispy and sweet
1 jicama-food serving is 23.25 oz and contains 250 calories.
There is no fat, there is no cholesterol, sodium deficiency regulator, Potassium, 128 percent of the daily fiber intake is recommended Vitamin C is recommended to be taken at a dose of 221 percent per day. An Iron-rich food for us.
Growing jicama, or Yam Bean, is a lot like growing pole beans, except you eat the root and every other part of the plant is poisonous. We have had so so luck with them in a Fall planting here in Tampa, if the winter is mild. Where they really shine, is during our long days of summer. These really do take 5 months and need to soak up all the Sun they can get. Not sure if it'll work but we are attempting to leave some of the tubers in the ground to see if they resprout in the Spring and grow more tubers without seeding. Will let you know. (3/17/21)
approx. 2000 seeds in a pound
Days to germination |
12-18 days mostly |
Days to maturity |
About 150 days |
Life cycle |
Perennial |
Plant time |
March, April, and May in the southern hemisphere. |
Spacing |
12-15 inches |
Sun |
Full sun because its a tropical plant |
Soil temperature |
70-85 degrees |
Optimum soil P.H |
6.5-8.0 |
Height |
3-6ft |
Harvest |
Autumn |