Jicama
What it is
Jicama, listed by USDA as yambean, is eaten for its root. This entry describes the peeled edible root, not the plant's seeds, leaves, or flowers.
What it does
The reference provides 4.9 g of fiber and 20.2 mg of vitamin C per 100 g. Vitamin C supports collagen formation. The food also provides carbohydrate and potassium in the amounts shown, without implying that it treats a digestive condition.
Research context and ingredient forms
Food identity includes the plant part. Nutrition data for the edible root must not be assigned to other parts of the plant or to an unspecified supplement extract.
Using this information
University of Nevada Extension describes peeling jicama before eating it. Weigh the prepared edible portion when using the table, and calculate added dressings or recipe ingredients separately.
Considerations
Jicama seeds, leaves, and flowers are toxic and should not be eaten. The edible root is the food covered by this entry.
Food sources and composition
| Nutrient | Amount and serving basis | Food and source |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 38 kcal per 100 g edible portion | Yambean (jicama), raw; Yambean (jicama), raw SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 8.82 g per 100 g edible portion | Yambean (jicama), raw; Yambean (jicama), raw SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Fiber, total dietary | 4.9 g per 100 g edible portion | Yambean (jicama), raw; Yambean (jicama), raw SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 20.2 mg per 100 g edible portion | Yambean (jicama), raw; Yambean (jicama), raw SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Potassium, K | 150 mg per 100 g edible portion | Yambean (jicama), raw; Yambean (jicama), raw SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Folate, total | 12 µg per 100 g edible portion | Yambean (jicama), raw; Yambean (jicama), raw SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
Scientific Research & References
- Yambean (jicama), raw
2019 · USDA Agricultural Research Service
Limitations: Historical food/preparation-specific composition, not a clinical-outcome estimate or current brand label.
Source assessment recorded.
- USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Legacy Release: Documentation
2018 · USDA Agricultural Research Service
Limitations: Historical dataset; values may be analytical, calculated, imputed, or assumed zero. Not clinical-outcome evidence.
Source assessment recorded.
- Jicama, FS-11-22
M. Wilson
2011 · University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Limitations: Used only for the mapped definition or nutrient role, not a food-specific clinical benefit.
Source assessment recorded.
- Growing Jicama in Cecil County? #859183
2024 · University of Maryland Extension, Home and Garden Information Center
Limitations: Primary institutional extension response used for plant-part toxicity only; not a clinical trial.
Source assessment recorded.
- Vitamin C: Fact Sheet for Consumers
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Limitations: Used only for the mapped definition or nutrient role, not a food-specific clinical benefit.
Source assessment recorded.
Related dictionary entries
Products containing it
No label-specific product relationship has been reviewed for this entry.