Jicama as a Food Plant
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Questions and Answers

What type of plant is jicama classified as?

  • Shrub
  • Annual herb
  • Herbaceous vine (correct)
  • Woody perennial
  • Which part of the jicama plant is primarily utilized for food?

  • Tuberous root (correct)
  • Flowers
  • Stems
  • Leaves
  • What processing step immediately follows harvesting jicama?

  • Fermenting
  • Peeling (correct)
  • Cooking
  • Cutting
  • In which regions of the world is jicama most widely grown and used?

    <p>Asia and South America (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long does jicama typically live as a plant?

    <p>Perennial, more than two years (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the Jatropha plant is primarily harvested for economic uses?

    <p>Seeds (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in the processing of Jatropha seeds after harvesting?

    <p>Drying (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    For which of the following economic purposes is Jatropha primarily cultivated?

    <p>Biodiesel production (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the final processing step that can be performed on extracted oil from Jatropha seeds?

    <p>Refining (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly defines a true root?

    <p>A plant part that absorbs and conducts water and nutrients. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following vegetables is not classified as a bulb?

    <p>Potato (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary economic function of taproots?

    <p>Storing carbohydrates. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes a corm?

    <p>An enlarged, swollen fleshy stem base without layers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of green vegetable crops is harvested for consumption?

    <p>All above-ground plant parts except for the fruit. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the primary reasons spices were used in food during their early history?

    <p>To mask the smell and taste of spoiling food (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event significantly contributed to the spread of spices to northern Europe?

    <p>The Roman conquests (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did Venetian merchants play during the Fourth Crusade?

    <p>They arranged military assistance in exchange for transportation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major outcome of Venice’s role in the Spice Trade?

    <p>The accumulation of wealth that funded cultural and architectural advancements (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which spice was notably imported from regions like India and China during the Spice Trade?

    <p>Black pepper (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason that starch is considered digestible while cellulose is not?

    <p>Starch has α 1-4 glycosidic bonds, whereas cellulose has ß 1-4 glycosidic bonds. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately describes the role of amylase in starch digestion?

    <p>Amylase breaks down starch into maltose and glucose. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes bioethanol from traditional gasoline?

    <p>Bioethanol is a renewable energy source derived from plants. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the conditions under which ethanol is produced from sugar?

    <p>Anaerobic fermentation by yeasts. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is cellulose an important component of plant cell walls?

    <p>It contributes to the structural integrity of plants. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary characteristic of trans fats as compared to unsaturated plant oils?

    <p>Trans fats extend shelf life but are unhealthy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of a soap molecule is responsible for dissolving non-polar substances like grease?

    <p>Hydrophobic end (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What historical significance does the process of saponification have in soap making?

    <p>It allows the separation of glycerol from crude soap. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a notable soap-making advancement made by Medieval Muslims?

    <p>Use of saponification with olive oil and thyme. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which ingredient was utilized in early castile soaps developed by Spain and Italy?

    <p>Olive oil (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic of biodiesel contributes to its classification as a renewable energy source?

    <p>The carbon dioxide produced is fixed by plants. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of oil is known to produce biodiesel with potential gelation issues in cold weather?

    <p>Canola oils (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about canola is correct?

    <p>Canola oil is rich in polyunsaturates like oleic and linoleic acid. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary method of producing biodiesel from plant oils?

    <p>Transesterification (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which plant oil has the highest potential yield when produced for biodiesel?

    <p>Palm oil (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of latex in plants?

    <p>To protect plants from injury and deter herbivores (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process is used to stabilize rubber against temperature changes?

    <p>Vulcanization (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which plant is the most significant latex producer for commercial use?

    <p>Para rubber tree (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does vulcanization enhance the properties of rubber?

    <p>By hardening it and improving elasticity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary method used to mechanically remove seed hair fibres from cotton seeds?

    <p>Ginning (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method of fibre extraction involves the decomposition of freshly harvested plant material in stagnant water?

    <p>Retting (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of plant fibre is primarily harvested from the cotton plant?

    <p>Seed fibre (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the characteristic of elasticity influence the use of plant fibres?

    <p>It affects how the fibres can be wound or woven. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the process of decortication?

    <p>Mechanical crushing of plant material to isolate fibres (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary characteristic of arabica coffee compared to robusta coffee?

    <p>It has superior flavor and is used in higher-quality fresh brewed coffees. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these factors does NOT influence the final flavor of coffee?

    <p>Average rainfall in the region (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which processing step occurs just before roasting the coffee seeds?

    <p>Washing and thoroughly drying the seeds (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which country is NOT listed among the largest coffee producers?

    <p>Australia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the native region of robusta coffee?

    <p>West-central Africa (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Jicama plant family

    The botanical family of the jicama plant is not specified in the text.

    Jicama plant type

    Jicama is a perennial herb, a vine.

    Jicama native distribution

    The native region of origin for jicama is not specified.

    Jicama domestication location

    The location of jicama's first domestication is not specified.

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    Jicama harvesting/processing method

    Harvest the tuberous root, peel off the brown skin, cut into sticks, cubes, or slices.

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    Jatropha Family

    Jatropha curcas belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, which includes plants like rubber trees and poinsettias.

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    Jatropha Plant Type

    Jatropha curcas is a woody shrub or small tree. It's not a vine or a herb.

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    Jatropha's Native Home

    Jatropha curcas is native to Central and South America, but it has spread to other tropical regions.

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    Jatropha's Economic Use

    Jatropha is grown for its seeds, which are used to extract oil for biodiesel production and other uses.

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    Jatropha Oil Extraction

    Jatropha seeds are processed to extract oil through multiple steps: drying, crushing, pressing, filtering and refining.

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    Root Crops

    Plant parts harvested from the soil, including true roots and modified underground stems.

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    True Roots

    Plant parts specialized for absorbing water and nutrients, often with a taproot for storage.

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    Modified Underground Stems

    Stems adapted for storing carbohydrates, types include bulbs, rhizomes, tubers, and corms.

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    Onions and Relatives (Allium)

    A genus of monocotyledonous bulb plants including onions, garlic, chives, and leeks.

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    Allicin

    A volatile sulfur compound responsible for the pungent flavor and eye irritation of Allium plants.

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    What makes spices 'spicy'?

    Spices contain aromatic terpenoids, also known as essential or volatile oils, which give them their unique flavors and aromas. These oils are released when the plant is crushed, cut, or cooked.

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    Spice Trade: Why the Crusades?

    The Crusades played a significant role in spreading spices. Initially, the Crusaders needed transport to the Holy Land, and they made a deal with Venetian merchants. When they couldn't pay for their transport, they were forced to help the Venetians militarily, ultimately leading to the sacking of Constantinople.

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    Spice Trade: Venetian Influence

    The Venetians, after helping the Crusaders sack Constantinople, became the main distributors of exotic spices from the trans-Asian Spice Trade. Their wealth from the spice trade fueled Venice's cultural, artistic, and architectural legacy.

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    Spice Trade: What was traded?

    The Spice Trade involved exchanging spices, primarily black pepper, from India, China, and the Arabian Peninsula for European goods like grains, glass, wine, and wool.

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    Spice Trade: Marco Polo's Impact

    Marco Polo's expeditions helped introduce new Indian and East Asian spices to Europe, further expanding the variety and availability of spices.

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    Monosaccharide

    The most basic unit of carbohydrates which can't be broken down further, e.g., glucose and fructose.

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    Disaccharide

    Two monosaccharides linked together by a glycosidic bond. Examples include sucrose (glucose + fructose) and lactose (glucose + galactose).

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    Starch vs. Cellulose: What's the difference?

    Both are made of glucose units. Starch uses alpha (α) 1-4 glycosidic bonds, making it digestible. Cellulose uses beta (ß) 1-4 glycosidic bonds, making it indigestible for most organisms.

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    Bioethanol: Sustainable fuel

    An alcohol derived from plant sugars (e.g., sucrose) through fermentation. It can replace or supplement gasoline. It's considered sustainable because it's renewable through photosynthesis.

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    What makes bioethanol sustainable?

    Bioethanol is derived from plants, which continuously produce sugar through photosynthesis, making it a renewable energy source unlike fossil fuels.

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    Trans Fats: Good or Bad?

    Trans fats, formed by artificially changing the structure of plant oils, are harmful to human health. They increase bad cholesterol and can contribute to heart disease.

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    Omega-3 Fatty Acids: What are they?

    Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients found in certain plant oils like flaxseed oil. Our bodies can't produce them, so we need to get them from food.

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    Saponification: What is it?

    Saponification is the chemical reaction that creates soap. It involves the breakdown of fats (triglycerides) by a strong base, like lye, to form soap and glycerol.

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    Hydrophobic vs. Hydrophilic ends of Soap

    Soap molecules have two parts: a hydrophobic (water-repelling) end that attracts dirt and grease, and a hydrophilic (water-loving) end that dissolves in water.

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    Early Soap Making

    Historically, soaps were made by reacting animal fats (tallow) or plant oils with lye, a strong base.

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    What is Biodiesel?

    Biodiesel is a renewable, plant-based fuel produced by transesterifying vegetable oils or animal fats with alcohol (usually ethanol or methanol). This process separates fatty acids from glycerol, replacing glycerol with alcohol to form methyl esters, which make up biodiesel.

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    Why is Biodiesel Considered Sustainable?

    Biodiesel is considered sustainable because it is a renewable energy source. Plants, through photosynthesis, capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to produce their oils. When biodiesel is burned, it releases this captured carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, creating a near-neutral carbon cycle.

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    Biodiesel vs. Petrodiesel: Emissions Comparison

    While biodiesel produces lower net life cycle emissions than petrodiesel (about 60% less), it has a higher nitric oxide (NOx) emission rate (about 10% higher). NOx is a significant air pollutant.

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    Canola Oil: A Versatile Source

    Canola oil, derived from the canola plant (Brassica napus), is a versatile oil with high levels of healthy polyunsaturated fats like oleic and linoleic acid. It's widely used in cooking, salad dressings, margarines, and mayonnaise, and also has potential as a biodiesel source.

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    What's Special About Canola?

    The name "canola" comes from "Canadian oil, low acid". This variety of Brassica napus was developed in the 1970s at the University of Manitoba due to its low erucic acid content, making it safe for human consumption and more suitable for industrial uses.

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    What is latex?

    Latex is a milky liquid produced by some plants, mainly composed of polymers like polyisoprene, along with smaller amounts of proteins, alkaloids, resins, and gums.

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    What is the function of latex in plants?

    Latex serves two main purposes for plants: it protects them from injuries by sealing wounds, and it deters herbivores, pests, and pathogens due to its bitter taste and potential toxicity.

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    What is vulcanization?

    Vulcanization is a process where rubber is heated with sulfur, peroxide, and bisphenol to make it stronger, more durable, and less susceptible to temperature changes. This process creates cross-links between isoprene polymers.

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    What are the properties of cured rubber?

    Cured rubber has special properties: it can store strain energy both electrostatically, like a spring, and thermally, meaning it cools as it contracts.

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    Why is natural rubber mostly produced in Southeast Asia and Africa?

    Natural rubber is mainly produced in Southeast Asia and Africa because the Para rubber tree, the primary source, is susceptible to a fungal leaf blight in its native Amazon region. These regions are free from this blight.

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    Plant Fibres: What are they?

    Plant fibers are long, strong strands made of cellulose, found in various parts of plants. They are often used to make cloth, rope, and paper.

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    Ginning

    Ginning is a mechanical process that separates cotton fibers from cotton seeds. It uses rollers and teeth to pull the fibers apart.

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    Retting

    Retting is a process used to extract bast fibers from plant stems by decomposing them using bacteria and water.

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    Decortication

    Decortication is a mechanical method used to extract fibers from plant leaves by crushing and scraping away non-fibrous material.

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    Cotton: The King of Fibres

    Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is the most important plant seed fiber globally, used for various textiles and products.

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    What are the two commercially grown coffee species?

    The two main coffee species are arabica (Coffea arabica) and robusta (C. canephora). Arabica is known for its superior flavor and used in higher-quality coffees, while robusta is more bitter and used in instant coffees and blends.

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    Where are the largest coffee producers?

    The top coffee producers today are Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, and Indonesia, with smaller contributions from Central America and Africa.

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    Coffee bean processing steps

    The processing steps for coffee beans involve: floating to remove defects, pulp removal, fermentation to remove residual pulp, washing and drying, roasting for flavor, and blending for a characteristic flavor.

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    What is the difference between arabica and robusta coffee?

    Arabica coffee, native to Ethiopia, is known for its superior flavor and is usually used in high-quality coffee blends. Robusta, native to Western Africa, has a more bitter taste and is commonly used in instant coffee and cheaper blends.

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    How did coffee spread to Europe?

    Venetian merchants introduced coffee to Europe in 1615. Coffee spread rapidly through Europe, reaching France in 1640 and England by 1650.

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    Study Notes

    Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus)

    • Botanical family: Fabaceae (pea family)
    • Plant type: Herbaceous vine
    • Lifespan: Perennial (lives more than two years)
    • Native to: Mexico and Central America

    History as a Food Plant

    • First domesticated: Mexico (around 3000 BC)
    • Archaeological evidence: Found in Peru dating back to 3000 BC.
    • Major growing regions: Central America and Southeast Asia
    • Introduction to Southeast Asia: By the Spanish in the 17th century.
    • Popular in: Philippines, China, and other regions.

    Utilization

    • Part used: Tuberous root
    • Processing method:
      • Harvesting: Roots dug from the ground.
      • Peeling: Thin brown skin removed.
      • Cutting: Into sticks, cubes, or slices.
    • Common uses: Raw in salads, salsas, or as a snack, or cooked in stir-fries, soups, and stews.

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    Description

    Explore the fascinating history and utilization of Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus), a tuberous root native to Mexico and Central America. Discover its journey from ancient domestication to its popularity in various cuisines, particularly in Southeast Asia. Learn about its processing and various culinary uses.

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