Mexican vegetable: hicamo?

Question

Does anyone know the mexican vegetable that is called "hicamo" or something close to that? It looks like a root, with a tanish, flaky outside that is hard (and you peel it off) and the inside is all white and a bit watery and has an interesting smell. It is as hard as a parsnip or horseradish root. Also, it grows underground (like a potato) and has an oval and round shape (kind of like a potato or a bigg radish). The hicamo varies in size, but is about the size of a big potato (around 4-5 inches in diameter and maybe 3 or so inchesin height.

What is the "hicamo" called in english or where can I find more information about it, like a picture and description (preferable in english, but if you only have a website in spanish, then that's fine).

Thank you!

Answer 1

Jicama!!! A big brown root... oh I miss it so bad.

Answer 2

jicama... yam bean

Here you can find some interesting info...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jicama

http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/equivalents...

Here you can find some recipes...

http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,ji...

I love it shreded or cut into thin strips with lemon, salt and some chili powder. I is also a good subsititue fo water chesnut in oriental recipes.

Answer 3

it is jicama...pron: Hick uh muh it is called jicama in English, too.

It is indeed a giant fleshy root that is a little like a sweet or bland radish.  It is great in match sticks in a salad and can take on  flavors of dressings or spices.  It does really well with lime juice or lemon.  Indeed it is versatile.

It is shaped rather like a giant turnip but slightly woody on the exterior.  It has been topped and rooted for the produce aisle.

Answer 4

its called a "hicama" but i dont know where you can find information about it ..... try google