Jicama is a starchy root vegetable originally from Central America and Mexico where it is a staple. It grows like potatoes underground like a tuber. The vegetable is covered with a thin brown skin, with a short root attached to it. Inside it you will find a white flesh that looks like an apple or raw potato. The raw jicama is sweet, juicy, and crisp, and it is perfect as a snack vegetable. If cooked lightly it can become mild and it can retain its crispness, just like a water chestnut. There may be instances where you run out of the jicama and need a substitute for your salad. Below are some of the best alternatives to Jicama.
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Water Chestnuts
One of the best substitutes for jicama in salad are water chestnuts. Water chestnuts are some of your best alternatives for jicama. It is no surprise that a lot of people think that the flavour of water chestnuts is similar to that of the jicama vegetable. Both of them are sweet but water chestnuts are little bit sweeter. Also, these two vegetables have a texture as well. One advantage of using water chestnuts over jicama in your salad is that, water chestnuts retain their crispiness and they do not lose their crunch even after cooking them. Also water chestnuts, just like jicama, can be eaten raw. Keep in mind that you must eat these vegetables raw only when they are fresh. Water chestnuts are very nutritious and can be incorporated into your diet in a lot of ways. Apart from eating water chestnuts raw, you can also boil, fry, or grill them.
Jerusalem Antichokes
Jerusalem artichokes are another great substitute for jicama in salad. These artichokes are known by a lot of names. You may know them as earth apples, sunchokes, and sunroots. This vegetable is perfect as an alternative for jicama in salad. Unlike water chestnuts, Jerusalem artichokes are not as sweet but they taste nutty which makes them even more similar to jicama. Jerusalem artichokes are crunchy when they are raw but they soften up after being cooked. You can eat these vegetables raw or cooked. You can also boil the Jerusalem antichokes and bake them. Other options include sauteing and roasting apart from adding them to your salad. In addition, Jerusalem antichokes can be easily found in many countries which makes them an ideal jicama substitute for your salad and other recipes.
Daikon Radish
Daikon radish also makes an excellent substitute for jicama. This radish is also known as a white radish. However, Jicama and daikon radish do not look similar at all but they have similar properties that make them great substitutes. Both of the vegetables are sweet and juicy. Also, daikon radish is just as crispy as jicama. While the daikon radishes are used in a number of ways, it is best to use them as an alternative for raw jicama. These radishes are also very nutritious so you will benefit from using them in your salad or any other meal. It is important to note that there are multiple daikon radish varieties to choose from. Some are much spicier than others. However, if you want a substitute for jicama for your salad consider going for sweeter varieties.
Green Apple
Green apples can also be a great substitute for jicama in your salad. Because Jicama can be used both raw and cooked and if your recipe calls for a raw jicama, you can simply substitute it with a green apple. When choosing green apple as a substitute for jicama, consider going for the crispy varieties in order to provide the crunch that your jicama will offer. Green apples can be eaten raw and cooked, and they can be used to prepare sweet and savoury dishes. They make a great substitute for jicama because they are sweet, easy and practical to use. You can add as much green apples as you like to your salad in place of your jicama. Also, green apples are nutritious since they contain vitamins that are beneficial to the body.
Celery Sticks
Another decent substitute for jicama is a celery stick. You can easily use celery sticks only if the rest of your ingredients in your dish pair well with them. This crunchy ingredient does a great job in your potato salad, egg Salad, and chicken Pot Pie. Celery sticks are a great source of important antioxidants. They are believed to reduce inflammation, and support digestion. Celery sticks are also rich in vitamins and minerals plus they are believed to improve memory. As such, there are a lot of benefits for using celery sticks in place of jicama in your salad.
Cucumber
Also another great substitute for jicama are cucumbers. Cucumbers are very easy to obtain but it should be noted that when you use cucumber instead of jicama it is best to remove the seeds and use the crispy parts in your salad. Cucumbers are a popular ingredient to add to your salads, it is no surprise that they can make a great substitute for jicama. They are highly nutritious, and are low in calories plus they can give you many important vitamins and minerals. Other benefits for adding cucumbers into your meals is that they are rich in antioxidants, they promote hydration and they can aid in weight Loss. Cucumbers are also believed to help lower blood sugar. You can add as many cucumbers as you like in your salad recipe in place of jicama.
Asian Pear
The last substitute on our list for jicama in salad is an Asian pear. An Asian pear is perfect if you want an exotic jicama substitute. This extremely crunchy fruit pairs well with a lot of ingredients in salads and slaws. Asian pears are a great source of dietary fibre, which helps the digestive system maintain a healthy level of good bacteria and can help regulate cholesterol. These fruits are known for being quite juicy and crisp, but they are mildly sweet and have a delicate flavour.
