Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Commodity GroupEdible root (root vegetable; leguminous yam bean)
Scientific NamePachyrhizus erosus
PerishabilityMedium (chilling sensitive, but can store for months under optimal temperature/humidity)
Growing Conditions- Warm tropical to subtropical climates; frost-tender
- Long warm growing period; production systems vary by region and altitude
Main VarietiesJícama de agua, Jícama de leche
Consumption Forms- Fresh (peeled, raw slices/sticks; salads)
- Cooked (stir-fries, soups)
- Fresh-cut foodservice/retail ingredient
Grading Factors- Size/weight
- Firmness
- Freedom from defects (cracks, bruising, mold/decay, discoloration, mechanical injury)
- Skin/periderm integrity
Planting to HarvestVariable by production system; agronomic references describe harvestability around ~140–150 days after planting in some systems, with longer cycles also observed depending on conditions and cultivar.
Market
Fresh jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) is a niche but internationally traded edible root, with commercial production and export supply most visible from Mexico into North America. Cultivation is also documented across Southeast and East Asia (e.g., the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, China), where it is commonly consumed domestically and may enter regional trade. Because jicama is frequently grouped under broader “similar edible roots” customs codes, product-specific global trade values are often not isolated in public statistics. Market dynamics therefore tend to be shaped by Mexico’s production seasonality, cross-border logistics into the United States/Canada, and postharvest quality management to avoid chilling injury and decay.
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Major Producing Countries- 멕시코Mexico’s agriculture ministry (citing SIAP) reports 2018 national production of 205,531 tonnes; leading producing states cited include Nayarit, Guanajuato, and Veracruz.
- 필리핀Cultivation and consumption are documented (commonly known as singkamas), but consolidated national production and export prominence are not consistently reported in globally standardized datasets.
- 인도네시아Cultivation is documented (often consumed domestically; sometimes referenced as bengkoang), but globally comparable production statistics are limited.
- 베트남Cultivation is documented in academic reviews, with limited globally standardized production reporting.
- 중국Cultivation is documented in academic reviews, with limited globally standardized production reporting.
Major Exporting Countries- 멕시코Export trade is often captured under aggregated HS headings for “similar edible roots” (e.g., HS 0706.90 at the 6-digit level), which can include multiple root vegetables; Mexico-to-U.S. dominance is commonly observed for this aggregated category.
Major Importing Countries- 미국Key destination market for Mexico’s exports of aggregated HS 0706.90 “similar edible roots” (category includes multiple roots; not jicama-exclusive).
- 캐나다Secondary destination market for Mexico’s exports of aggregated HS 0706.90 “similar edible roots” (category includes multiple roots; not jicama-exclusive).
Supply Calendar- Mexico:Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, JunMexico’s agriculture ministry describes the product as available year-round, with its “best moment” from December to June in the Northern Hemisphere.
Specification
Major VarietiesJícama de agua, Jícama de leche
Physical Attributes- Brown-skinned, white-fleshed edible root; crisp and juicy texture
- Roots should be firm; surface defects (cracks, bruising, mold, discoloration) reduce commercial quality
Compositional Metrics- Chilling sensitivity is a key quality constraint; commercial storage is recommended at 12.5–15°C with moderate relative humidity (70–80%)
- A Mexico study reported root dry matter in the range 16.19–22.28% (Sonora, Mexico; values vary with plant age)
- Mexico’s agriculture ministry (citing SIAP) reports indicative composition per 100 g: ~87% water, 1.3 g protein, 9.9 g carbohydrates (nutrition figures; not a buyer spec)
Grades- No U.S. grades are defined for jicama; commercial acceptance typically relies on size and freedom from defects (cleanliness, discoloration, cracks, insect/mechanical damage)
- UC Davis notes that in Hawaii, two grades are recognized based on size and freedom from defects
Packaging- Bulk packs commonly include 5-, 10-, and 20-lb formats for wholesale distribution
- Packaging and handling should minimize abrasion and mechanical damage to the periderm to reduce decay during storage
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Harvest (roots) -> trim/clean -> sort/grade -> pack -> cool, dry storage (avoid chilling injury) -> refrigerated transport -> wholesale/retail distribution
- Fresh-cut preparation (peel/cut) -> sanitation -> cold storage (short holding) -> retail/foodservice
Demand Drivers- Consumption as a raw, crunchy ingredient in salads, snacks, and mixed dishes in Mexico and in Asian cuisines where it is cultivated (e.g., Philippines, Southeast Asia)
Temperature- Recommended commercial storage temperature: 12.5–15°C (55–59°F); jicama is chilling sensitive at lower temperatures
- Recommended relative humidity (commercial storage): ~70–80%; keep roots cool and dry to reduce decay and quality loss
Shelf Life- Under recommended storage conditions (12.5–15°C; moderate RH), UC Davis indicates 2–4 months storage life can be expected, though sprouting may develop after ~2 months
- Short-term distribution/retail shelf life is often cited as ~7–14 days under typical handling; mishandling (too cold/too wet) increases decay and internal discoloration
Risks
Cold Chain Quality Risk HighFresh jicama is chilling sensitive: storage below recommended ranges can trigger chilling injury associated with decay, discoloration, and texture loss, increasing rejection risk during international distribution.Specify and monitor storage/transport at ~12.5–15°C with appropriate humidity management; avoid wet storage and minimize temperature excursions below recommended thresholds.
Supply Concentration MediumFor North American trade, export availability is strongly tied to Mexico’s production and cross-border logistics; disruptions in key producing areas or border logistics can tighten supply and raise price volatility in destination markets.Diversify approved suppliers and seasons within Mexico; maintain forward supply programs and contingency logistics for cross-border movements.
Food Safety MediumNon-root plant parts (seeds, leaves, stems) contain toxic compounds (including rotenone); improper handling or inclusion outside the edible root increases safety risk and can trigger product holds or recalls.Restrict edible scope to the root; implement supplier SOPs to remove and segregate aerial parts and maintain clear labeling and staff training.
Postharvest Loss MediumMechanical damage to the periderm during harvest and packing increases decay incidence during storage and reduces the achievable storage window.Use gentle harvest/handling, abrasion-resistant packaging, and inbound QC checks focused on skin integrity and visible defects.
FAQ
What storage temperature is recommended for fresh jicama in commercial handling?Sources focused on postharvest handling recommend storing jicama at about 12.5–15°C (55–59°F) with moderate humidity; lower temperatures can cause chilling injury, which is associated with decay and discoloration.
Which country is most strongly associated with large-scale commercial jicama production for export markets?Mexico is the most clearly documented large-scale producer in public agricultural statistics (SIAP figures are cited by Mexico’s agriculture ministry), and it is the main origin associated with North American import supply in commonly used trade classifications for similar edible roots.
Are any parts of the jicama plant toxic?Yes. References note that while the root is eaten, the mature seeds, leaves, and stems contain toxic compounds (including rotenone), so commercial handling should keep edible supply limited to the root and avoid inclusion of aerial plant parts.