All You Need to Know about Jicama

All you need to know about jicama is that it’s a very healthy vegetable. Jicama is said to be a “cross between a potato and a green bean”. It has about 60% of the nutrients of potatoes and about half of the vitamins of a green bean. Its high concentration of fiber helps to keep it from being slimy, while its high potassium content keeps your blood satisfied.

1. Tips for Growing Jicama Vegetable

1.1 Requirement of Soil

The soil that you use should also be tested as soon as possible in order to determine what it needs to be like.

1.1.1 Buy Special Soil

• An important point in all you need to know about jicama is that you can buy special soil, or you can go out into the world and create your own.

1.1.2 Acidity and Organic Matter of Soil

If you are going to create your own soil, you need to know how much organic matter it contains and how acidic it is.

• All you need to know about jicama is that highly acidic soil could cause problems with the root system, while too alkaline could cause problems with the leaves.

1.1.3 Test the Soil

You may want to test the soil before you actually plant anything.

• This way you can be sure that it can support the needs of the plant that you decide to plant.

1.2 Digging the Soil

The next point in All you need to know about jicama is that you also need to do a certain amount of digging each day.

1.2.1 Prevent Weeds from Growing

You can purchase a special type of soil that will help your plants stay healthy.

• This is also helpful to prevent weeds from growing.

1.2.2 Use Organic Soil

Some people prefer to use their own organic soil.

• However, all you need to know about jicama includes plenty of different types of soil that are made specifically for this purpose.

1.3 Find Area Having Drainage and Shade

You can grow Jicama in a variety of different locations including outdoor garden beds.

• It is normally best to find an area that is relatively shady and has plenty of drainage so that you do not have to water the plants excessively.

1.4 Watering

You should also water your plant regularly, especially if you live in an area that has warm summers and winters.

• Next point in all you need to know about jicama is to try to keep the soil moist so that it will remain nice and green.

1.5 Use of Fertilizers

When it comes to fertilizers, only use those that are made for this purpose.

1.5.1 Avoid Phosphate Containing Fertilizer

While learning all you need to know about jicama, Be sure to avoid any that contain phosphates because they can cause your plants to become stunted.

1.5.2 Drawback of Fertilizers Having Phosphate

• They can also make them grow at a faster rate.
• Other than that, you can use any organic material for fertilizers as long as it is natural.

1.6 Requirement of Sunlight

One of the best tips in all you need to know about jicama for growing jicama vegetables is that they like a lot of sunlight.

• If you have a large garden that gets a lot of sunlight, then that is the best place for it.
• If you do not have a backyard that receives a lot of sunlight, then you can try placing the plant in an outbuilding or even an aquarium.

1.7 Provide Good Drainage

Make sure you plant the plant in soil that has good drainage.

• It also needs to be rich in nutrients.
• The soil should also drain quickly so that it can be watered easily.

1.8 Mulch

Mulching is another important point in all you need to know about jicama, It will also help if you mulch the plant because,

• It will protect it against some of the problems that can be caused by wetness and sogginess.

2. Taking Care of Jicama Vegetable Plant

2.1 Growing Conditions

One thing that you need to take note of is the growing conditions.

• You have to make sure that your garden has the perfect conditions for the plant to grow properly.

2.1.1 Check the Soil

All you need to know about jicama includes checking the soil and making sure that it is well-drained.

2.1.2 Conditions of Soil

If the soil is not well-drained, it will be more difficult for the vegetable plants to survive especially if they have deep-rooted soil.

2.2 Adequate Amount of Sunlight

Another thing in all you need to know about jicama that you should consider is the sunlight.

• This is very important because this can affect the health of the vegetable.

2.2.1 Protect from too Much Sunlight

• If the sunlight is too much, the leaves of the vegetable might get dried out.

2.2.2 Provide Direct Sunlight

• You should always plant vegetables where there is direct sunlight coming from.
• If not, you should put the canopy over the area where you are planting the vegetable.

2.3 Using Tools

When it comes to the tools that you are going to use in taking care of your Jicama, you only have two options.

2.3.1 Sharp or Soft Tools

One is using sharp tools and the other is using soft tools.

• You can choose between the two depending on how you would like to cut the plant.

2.3.2 Never Cut the Roots

• What you should never do is cut the plant by cutting the root because it can seriously affect the health of the plant.
• You should cut the plant with care.

2.4 Spacing

All you need to know about jicama in terms of planting, you should place the vegetable about two to three feet away from the wall of your house.

2.4.1 Maturing of Vegetable

• The reason behind this is that it can help the vegetable mature faster.
• When the plant gets older, it would not grow as fast if placed in a room with low lights.

2.4.2 Planting in an Open Area

• Keep in mind that you should always plant vegetables in an open area so that it can get ample amount of sunlight.
• The last thing that you should do is to pick the vegetables when they are just about ripe.

2.5 Avoid Use of Pesticides

If you want to grow Jicama, you should try to avoid putting pesticides on its leaves.

• This is because when you spray the leaves of the vegetable with pesticides, it may cause side effects to your Jicama.

2.5.1 Cleaning the Vegetable

• Some people also use regular soap while cleaning their vegetable to ensure that it will be free from pests and harmful organisms.

2.5.2 Know the Proper Ways

• Taking care of this vegetable is very easy especially when you know the proper ways.

2.6 Fertilizing the Vegetable

As far as fertilizing your jicama plant goes, there are many different types of fertilizer that you can use.

2.6.1 General Rule

• A good general rule of thumb is that you should not fertilize your plant every day.

2.6.2 Amount and Time for Adding Fertilizer

Instead, fertilizing it should be;

• About once a week during springtime,
• Once a month during the summer season, and
• Once a year in the winter.

2.6.3 Follow the Directions

Be sure that you follow the directions that come with the fertilizer.

• Do not apply fertilizer that is too strongly as this could do damage to your plant.
• Also, when it comes to watering your plant, do not do it more than once every couple of days as well.

3. Health Benefits of Jicama

3.1 Nutritional Value

All you need to know about jicama includes that Jicama contains a lot of

• Calcium and potassium and
• It is rich in protein, fiber and iron.

The plant also contains;

• Flavonoids and terpenoids, which are powerful antioxidants.
• The antioxidant content is the reason why Jicama has become very popular.

3.2 Anti-bacterial and Anti-viral Properties

The plant is also known for its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.

• It is said to have the most powerful anti-inflammatory effect known.

3.3 Essential Fatty Acids

Jicama contains a variety of fatty acids that are known to have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

• The essential fatty acids help in cardiovascular prevention and treatment.
• While the omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing cholesterol levels.

3.4 Source of Different Nutrients

Another point in all you need to know about jicama is that Jicama is an excellent source of plant protein and is high in antioxidants.

It is also a source of;

• Amino acids,
• Iron,
• Zinc,
• Copper,
• Manganese, and potassium.

Jicama is one of nature’s superfoods

3.5 Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Another of the many health benefits of Jicama is its ability to provide essential omega 3 fatty acids.

• This is why it is commonly used in low-fat diets.

3.6 Lower Blood Pressure

All you need to know about jicama includes that this plant is also a great source of fiber and iron, which is why;

• It is popular among people who have low blood pressure or high blood pressure.

3.7 Detoxify the Body

The jicama has ability to detoxify the body.

• It increases blood flow and brings down the level of cholesterol in the blood.
• This is the reason why jicama juice is very popular among athletes.

3.8 Source of Amino Acids

The juice extracted from the leaves can also be used for different health purposes. Jicama extract is an excellent source of essential amino acids like;

• Cysteine,
• Methionine,
• Arginine,
• Glycine,
• Lysine, and threonine.

3.9 Treatment of Various Diseases

It is also rich in sulfur which helps in treating a number of health-related problems including;

• Cardiovascular diseases,
• Rheumatism,
• Joint pains, and cancer.

All you need to know about jicama includes that Jicama juice is good for soothing inflammation and providing pain relief to arthritis sufferers.

3.10 Boost Immune System

In addition, the juice of this leafy plant is rich in vitamin C, manganese and niacin.

• These are perfect ingredients which make jicama the perfect drink to boost your immune system and keep you fit and healthy.
• A delicious juice of jicama refreshes and rejuvenates you after a long day’s work.

4. Benefits of Jicama for the Skin

4.1 Stimulates Collagen and Elastin Production

One of the best benefits in all you need to know about jicama is that it helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin

4.1.1 Keep Skin Young and Wrinkle Free

• Both of these are important in keeping your skin looking younger and wrinkle free.

4.1.2 Improve Elasticity of Skin

• By increasing the production of these two proteins you will have the added benefit of reducing wrinkles by improving the elasticity of your skin.

4.2 Moisturize the Skin

The high pH value of jicama helps to moisturize your skin as well.

• It keeps your skin hydrated and prevents dryness.

4.3 Promote Cell Turnover

One of the other benefits of jicama is that it promotes cell turnover.

• You might have noticed that when you are aging you skin starts to sag and form those fine lines.
• This is a natural result of the loss of collagen and elastin due to aging.
• Jicama oil helps to prevent the loss of collagen and elastin and so helps to prevent the formation of these fine lines and wrinkles.

4.4 Improve Skin Texture

Jicama is effective in improving the texture of our skin.

• It has a lot of water soluble fibers that can easily emulsify oil.
• It also contains a lot of protein, Vitamin A and C.
• Vitamin A and C are the vitamins that stimulate collagen production.
• Collagen is the one responsible for giving our skin elasticity.
• If you can stimulate collagen production then your skin will have a smooth and wrinkle-free appearance.

4.5 Control Sebum Production

Jicama is also good in controlling the production of sebum (oils).

• Sebum is the oil produced by our skin.

4.5.1 Drawbacks of Sebum

• Overproduction of sebum can clog our skin pores and lead to acne.
• Jicama is very effective in controlling sebum production.

4.5.2 Protect from Damages

• Aside from having a great texture, Jicama is rich in antioxidants that protect our skin from damages.

4.6 Resolves Problems Related to Aging

Jicama is rich in antioxidants. Some of the antioxidants found in Jicama are;

• Alpha lipoic acid,
• Quercetin,
• Hesperidin,
• Lycopene,  
• Tangeretin, and hedera sativa.

Antioxidants fight against the free radicals in our body that cause;

• Aging,
• Damage of the cell membrane, and even
• Cancer.

This is the reason why people resort to taking antioxidants when they face the problem of aging skin.

4.7 Exfoliate the Skin

The Jicama contains a special chemical known as Alpha Hydroxy Acid.

• This acid can exfoliate our skin because it removes the dead skin cells.
•  It can also improve our skins texture and color.
• As we age, it can also smooth out fine lines and wrinkles on our skin.
• It can even help in preventing sunburns and other skin diseases.

5. Uses of Jicama Vegetable

5.1 Address Hair Problems

All you need to know about jicama is that this vegetable can also be used to address hair problems.

• It is made into pomade that makes one’s hair shinier.
• It can also work on one’s hair to make it shiny and soft.
• This can be used to address dry and damaged hair that has a tendency to curl up.

5.2 Versatile Vegetable

Other than that, jicama is a very versatile vegetable.

• It can be added to other dishes or used as a salad dressing.
• The list of uses of jicama might seem endless.
• However, these are just some of the benefits of this super vegetable.
• Anyone who has not yet tried jicama knows that they are missing out on something really good.

5.3 Helps in Weight Loss

Since this type of vegetable is perfect for those who want to live a healthy lifestyle,

• It can also be a great way to lose weight.
• It is because it contains lots of fiber which can help in controlling ones appetite.
• If you are aiming to lose weight, then you should try to eat more meals containing vegetables.
• This vegetable can also make one feel full so they do not feel like eating continuously after having a meal.