Jicama is a root vegetable that’s edible and very nutritious to eat. This vegetable is very versatile and can either be eaten raw or cooked. Those that enjoy eating this root vegetable will need to keep them properly stored. If not, due to their high moisture content, they can go bad quickly. Jicama can be stored in the pantry, refrigerator, or even the freezer. In each of this storage, how long does jicama last?
In this short guide, we’ll go further in-depth on how long jicama last, where to store them, and how to tell when they are bad. If these are the information you’re looking for, keep reading.
How Long Does Jicama Last?
Jicama is a root vegetable that can last for a very long time under the right condition. The ideal storage temperature is 55 to 59°F (12.5 to 15°C). At this temperature, fresh jicama can last for up to 4 months. Unfortunately, most homes will have a very difficult time keeping the temperature at this range.
Therefore, at room temperature, fresh jicama will last for 1 to 2 weeks.
In the refrigerator, if properly stored, jicama can last for 2 to 3 weeks. Once it’s cut or sliced, you can refrigerate them for up to one week.
In the freezer, jicama whether it’s the whole vegetable or it’s sliced, it will last for up to one year.
Can Jicama Go Bad?
Due to it being a root vegetable, jicama can last for a very time once it’s harvested. These tubers usually go bad quickly if the outer skin is damaged, it’s improperly handled, or it’s not stored properly. Any of these will shorten their shelf life in half.
Due to it containing a high amount of water, improperly handling them can break the skin and cause the flesh to be exposed to the air. Once it does, air will start to oxidize the flesh and cause the vegetable to go bad.
How To Tell When Jicama Is Bad?
Jicama is a root vegetable that can last for a very long time under the right condition. Sometimes, due to the storage temperature, damages during storage, or it has been sitting in storage for too long will cause them to go bad.
Like other root vegetables, when jicama starts to go bad, they will have signs that you can look for.
Appearance – When jicama starts to go bad, it will usually have blemishes all over it. If there are a couple of dark spots here and there, it may still be good. Another thing is to check to see if there is any mold growing on the skin. If there are molds and a lot of dark spots all around, it’s best to throw it out.
On the inside, look for browning of the flesh and softness. Good quality jicama will have a nice pale yellow color throughout and firm to the touch. If it’s soft and has browning of the flesh, discard the vegetable.
Smell – When jicama goes bad, it will have a rotten smell to it. This is a smell that will make you turn your head away. Anything that doesn’t smell fresh, should be discarded.
How To Store Jicama
Storing Jicama At Room Temperature
Jicama doesn’t require much preparation to store them. If they are being stored at room temperature, make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. The heat from sunlight or appliances can cook the tubers and damage it.
The best place to store jicama is in the pantry where it’s cool and dry. This is the environment the jicama needs to last for a very long time.
At room temperature, only the whole jicama can be stored there. Before placing the tubers into the pantry, check to make sure that there is no damage or cut to the skin. If there are damages, it’s best to cut them and store it in the refrigerator.
Storing Jicama In The Refrigerator
If you have jicama that has been cut, sliced, or simply have some that are leftover and not used, the refrigerator is the place to store them.
In an airtight container, place the pieces of jicama into it. Place the lid and make sure to seal it tight. A small amount of air that gets into the container can cause it to go bad.
Can You Freeze Jicama?
Yes, you can freeze jicama. It’s a great way to store jicama that you don’t need right now, but need to store them for longer than a month.
When storing jicama, you have two options. You can either store the jicama as a whole or store jicama that is cut or sliced. Either way, you can expect the jicama to last for up to 1 year if it’s properly stored.
Storing this tuber will require it to be in an airtight container or a freezer bag. You’ll need to keep the jicama dry at all times. Once air gets into the container, moisture will start to accumulate on the vegetable and destroy it.
Before storing them, you’ll need to prepare them first. If storing the whole jicama, simply put them in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag and make sure it’s sealed tightly.
For cut or sliced jicama, pat it down with a dry paper towel first. This will remove any excess moisture from the vegetable. Then place the jicama pieces into a cling wrapper and wrap it a couple of times around.
In an airtight container or freezer bag, place the wrapped jicama into it. If using a freezer bag, press on the bag to remove any excess air. Then seal it tightly.
For an airtight container, make sure the lid is leak-proof. Just a small amount of air that gets into the container can damage the tubers and shorten their shelf life.
How Do You Make Jicama Last Longer?
Purchasing Jicama
How long jicama will last will depend on how fresh it is. Therefore, it’s important that when you buy them at the grocery stores, they are at their freshest.
At grocery stores, it can be hard to tell when the root vegetable will expire since there is no expiration date printed on them.
The only way to tell how fresh the jicama is is by inspecting it first. The first thing to look for is the appearance of it. Good quality jicama will be bright in color and have no blemishes on them.
Another way to check the quality of it is by picking one up and gently squeezing it. The jicama should be firm and have no soft spots. If it does, it’s starting to go and will not last very long once you buy it.
Proper Storage
Jicama will usually last for only a week, but you can make them last much longer by properly storing them.
For uncut jicama, store them in a cool, dry place uncovered. An excellent place would be the pantry. Avoid them from getting wet as mold will start to grow on it.
Once jicama is cut or sliced, they need to be stored in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Keep the root vegetable in a plastic bag or airtight container for up to 2 weeks.