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Wednesday 3 August 2022

Jicama and Celeriac : Both are low carb vegetables

I recently wrote about celeriac, the strange knobbly looking vegetable which has a subtle, celery-like flavour, with nutty overtones. It's a low carbers favourite, and works well as a mash. The post received a lot of views and comments (thank you) and one comment from Sandi got me thinking, which led to this post. She said "I had never heard of this. It looks a little like jicama. I wonder if they sell it around here." My reply to her was "yes celeriac and jicama are a little alike". Jicama and Celeriac are both low carb vegetables.

Jicama is a starchy root vegetable similar to a potato or turnip. The tuberous root tastes slightly sweet, but it is low in sugar, making it a good carbohydrate choice for people with diabetes and others attempting a low-sugar diet. Originally from Mexico, the jicama is sometimes also known as a Mexican turnip or yam bean.

Although the root is safe to eat, the rest of the plant, including the beans, are toxic.

Low-carb and low-calorie: The high water content combined with low sugar and fat makes this a low-calorie food. When combined with the high fibre content, it makes for a great alternative to higher carbohydrate vegetables.

Nutrient dense: It contains a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, especially fibre and potassium. It also contains a high level of Vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and supports the immune system.

Supports a healthy gut: This tuber is high in a prebiotic called inulin.

Prebiotics are a type of fibre stored in our digestive system to feed probiotics, which are healthy bacteria. Keeping this balance also supports overall health and immune function.

Here is a picture of Jicama, and you can read more about this vegetable here and here


Here is a picture of celeriac, more to read here


Do you use either of these vegetables when cooking?
I haven't used Jicama but celeriac is often in my menu plans, in fact I may make a Smoked Haddock and Celeriac Layer Bake later this week, you can see the recipe here

Dear reader, there is a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, but please note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health it is always advisable to consult your Doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

30 comments:

Tom said...

...I've never had either!

Anonymous said...

Not tried them.

Ami

J.P. Alexander said...

El nabo es muy rico, te mando un beso.

Christine said...

I first had jicama in Mexico

Angie's Recipes said...

I love jicama!

Debbie said...

i am not familiar with either and have never cooked with them. my mom didn't either!!!

Margaret D said...

Never used them or had them.

Elephant's Child said...

I occasionally see celeriac - but have never seen (or heard of) jimcana.

Fun60 said...

I have seen celeriac many times but never cooked it but I've never seen Jicama.

Jo said...

I've never heard of jicama and have never tried celeriac, though I keep saying I will do.

Valerie-Jael said...

I'm looking forward to cooler days when I can make my celery ceam soup again! Valerie

Giorgio said...

Interesting post! ... I have never had such veggies.

All the comments that I leave through my tablet Samsung are labelled as Anonymous. I don't know why! ... Sorry for that.

Regards,

Giorgio

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
I have never used either one, I have never heard of Jicama.
Take care, have a great day!

My name is Erika. said...

I've had jicama in Mexico food, but I've never used it myself. I like the idea of making mashes from things other than yams and potatoes.

Caty said...

I always use celeriac whit soup, but I´ve never seen jicama. Interesting Jan.
Thanks so much for sharing.
I wish you a great day,
Big hugs,
Caty

Francisco Manuel Carrajola Oliveira said...

Muito interessante.
Um abraço e continuação de uma boa semana.

Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
Livros-Autografados

Jeff said...

I've not heard of Jicama, but like celeriac, just wish I could get it to grow as I have tried and failed twice.

R's Rue said...

I like jicama

Pam said...

Never paid any attention to celeriac. So never cooked and pretty sure never ate.

Jeanie said...

I don't see celeric here -- or, for that matter, much jicama, but you stand a better chance of that one.

happyone said...

No, Ive never had these.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

I have not tried either of these vegetables and am uncertain as to whether or not they would be in the local grocery store we use, which often does not have a lot of variety even for being part of a major chain. Perhaps New Englanders have different favorites and I say that as a on-native.

Conniecrafter said...

I believe I have seen those in the store but never new really what to do with them, there are a few things like that, I should write them down and look up when I get home to try new things

Ananka said...

Donno Jicama! Don't think I've ever seen it up here too!

William Kendall said...

Never heard of it.

My name is Erika. said...

Elizabeth asked me to pass on this info: Bleubeard and Elizabeth are still unable to access her computer but want you to know they are not avoiding you and will visit once they are back online.

Lowcarb team member said...

Reply to Erika
Many thanks for passing this on, hoping that Elizabeth will soon be able to access her computer.
Please pass on my good wishes.

All the best Jan

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

They are both kind of ugly vegetables yet they are interesting to it. My experience is with jicama. I've grated it, sliced it, and enjoyed it in salads. Its' sweet and tasty.

Anne (cornucopia) said...

I never heard of either one of these before.

Teresa said...

No uso ninguno de ellos, y de la jícama nunca había oído hablar de ella. Besos.