Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Commodity GroupEdible root vegetable (tropical/subtropical underground vegetable; legume root crop)
Scientific NamePachyrhizus erosus
PerishabilityMedium
Growing Conditions- Warm-season legume root crop; time of flowering varies with daylength (short-day sensitivity noted in agronomic references).
- Tuber growth initiates ~7 weeks after germination; marketable tuber size is typically reached after about 4.5–7 months depending on cultivar and climate.
Main VarietiesJícama de agua, Jícama de leche
Consumption Forms- Fresh, raw (salads/snacks)
- Cooked preparations
- Fresh-cut jicama pieces (processed) for retail/foodservice
Grading Factors- Smooth, firm roots with uniform shape and size
- Freedom from mechanical damage to the skin/periderm
- Freedom from defects (e.g., dirt, discoloration, growth cracks, insect damage) as referenced in regional grading conventions
Planting to HarvestMarketable tubers typically reached in ~4.5–7 months after germination (cultivar- and climate-dependent).
Market
Fresh conventional jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) is a crisp edible root/tuber vegetable native to Mexico and widely cultivated and consumed across parts of Southeast and East Asia. In global trade statistics, jicama is not explicitly named at the 6-digit HS level and can be indistinguishable within aggregated headings for “similar edible roots” (e.g., HS 070690). Commercial handling is constrained by strong chilling sensitivity below typical refrigerated-produce temperatures, making correct temperature set-points and damage prevention central to shippability. Public, product-specific global market size and growth estimates are limited because production and trade are often not separately reported under common international datasets.
Major Producing Countries- 멕시코Native origin and important local food crop.
- 필리핀Cultivation and consumption documented in the crop’s expansion across Asia.
- 인도네시아Cultivation and consumption documented in the crop’s expansion across Asia.
- 베트남Cultivation and consumption documented in the crop’s expansion across Asia.
- 태국Cultivation and consumption documented in the crop’s expansion across Asia.
- 중국Cultivation documented in the crop’s expansion across Asia.
Specification
Major VarietiesJícama de agua, Jícama de leche
Physical Attributes- Brown-skinned, turnip-shaped root with crisp, succulent, white flesh (quality preference: smooth, firm, defect-free skin).
- Roots are harvested across a size range; fully mature roots commonly marketed in the ~250–1500 g range.
Compositional Metrics- Very low ethylene production and low ethylene sensitivity (relevant for mixed-load handling decisions).
Grades- No U.S. grade standards are specified for jicama in UC Davis postharvest guidance; a two-grade size/defect convention has been referenced for Hawaii (size and freedom from defects).
Packaging- Common fresh-market packs in U.S. foodservice distribution include 5-, 10-, and 20-lb packs (cartons/boxes), with emphasis on keeping roots dry and avoiding skin abrasion.
ProcessingFor fresh-cut jicama, modified atmospheres with ~5–10% CO₂ have been reported to reduce decay and discoloration at 5°C; controlled-atmosphere benefit is not established for intact roots.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Field production (warm-season legume root crop) -> harvest with minimal skin injury -> optional pre-storage periderm hardening practices (e.g., top removal or stopping irrigation) -> packing -> distribution with strict temperature set-point control -> retail/foodservice; fresh-cut variants require additional sanitation/cutting/packaging controls.
Demand Drivers- Consumed raw (salads/snacks) and cooked; culinary use is established in Mexico and multiple Southeast/East Asian food cultures.
Temperature- Chilling-sensitive: recommended commercial storage ~12.5–15°C with moderate RH (~70–80%); chilling injury can occur at 10°C or below within ~1–3 weeks depending on conditions.
- Cold-chain set-points commonly used for many vegetables (0–5°C) can materially increase decay/discoloration risk for jicama.
Atmosphere Control- No established benefit for controlled-atmosphere storage of intact jicama roots; for fresh-cut pieces, ~5–10% CO₂ atmospheres have been reported to reduce decay/discoloration at 5°C.
Shelf Life- Under recommended storage conditions, intact roots can achieve ~2–4 months storage life; stem sprouting commonly develops after ~2 months and can reduce juiciness and increase weight loss.
- Mechanical damage increases decay incidence; key external decay organisms reported include Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Cladosporium species.
Risks
Cold Chain Temperature Mismanagement HighFresh jicama is highly chilling-sensitive: storage at 10°C or below can induce chilling injury within weeks, with external decay and internal discoloration and loss of crisp texture. This creates a high disruption risk in long-distance trade lanes if jicama is handled under standard refrigerated-produce set-points (often well below 10°C).Specify and monitor 12.5–15°C set-points (and ~70–80% RH) through storage and transport; avoid mixed loads that force sub-10°C temperature regimes; minimize temperature shocks.
Postharvest Decay From Mechanical Injury MediumSkin injury during harvest/packing raises decay incidence; postharvest decay is frequently associated with mechanical injury and chilling injury, and common fungi on roots include Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Cladosporium species.Use gentle harvest/handling, protect periderm from abrasion, and implement receiving inspection focused on skin integrity; avoid chilling conditions that predispose tissue to decay.
Sprouting And Quality Loss In Storage MediumEven under recommended storage conditions, stem sprouts can develop after about two months, contributing to weight loss and reduced juiciness, which can tighten commercial selling windows for longer-hold inventory.Align inventory turns to stay inside the pre-sprout window when possible; maintain recommended temperature/RH and reduce skin damage that accelerates moisture loss.
Food Safety MediumNon-tuber parts of jicama plants can be toxic: mature seeds, leaves, and stems contain rotenone, and are not safe for consumption. This is a food safety and consumer-misuse risk if non-root parts are included or marketed without clear guidance.Restrict supply to cleaned edible roots only; ensure labeling/handling guidance excludes seeds/leaves/stems from food use, and train pack/processing operations accordingly.
FAQ
What storage and transport temperature is recommended for fresh jicama to avoid chilling injury?UC Davis postharvest guidance recommends storing intact jicama at about 12.5–15°C (55–59°F) with moderate relative humidity (about 70–80%). It also notes jicama can develop chilling injury at 10°C (50°F) or below, with decay and internal discoloration and loss of crispness.
Are all parts of the jicama plant edible?No. The edible part is the tuber/root, which is commonly eaten raw or cooked. Encyclopaedia Britannica and scientific reviews note that mature seeds, leaves, and stems contain rotenone and are highly toxic.
Why can it be hard to isolate jicama in global trade data?At the 6-digit HS level, jicama is not explicitly named: HS 070690 is defined broadly as “radishes and similar edible roots, fresh or chilled.” Because this heading aggregates multiple ‘similar edible roots,’ jicama-specific trade can be embedded within the broader category rather than separately identified.