Jicama: History and Usage

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Questions and Answers

Which type of plant is jicama categorized as?

Herbaceous vine (correct)

Annual flower

Woody shrub

Deciduous tree

What characteristic defines jicama as a perennial plant?

It produces seeds every season.

It lives longer than two years. (correct)

It blooms flowers yearly.

It requires replanting every year.

What is the first step in processing jicama for consumption?

Harvesting the tuberous root. (correct)

Boiling to soften.

Seasoning with spices.

Cutting into slices.

In which regions of the world is jicama most widely grown and used?

Central America and Asia Signup and view all the answers

What is the second step in preparing jicama after harvesting?

Peeling the thin, brown skin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary economic purpose for which Jatropha is grown?

Biodiesel production Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the Jatropha plant is utilized for oil extraction?

Seeds Signup and view all the answers

During the processing of Jatropha seeds, what is the purpose of drying the seeds?

To reduce moisture content Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT mentioned as a way to extract oil from crushed Jatropha seeds?

Heat extraction Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the oil extraction process from Jatropha seeds?

Filtering Signup and view all the answers

What significant impact did the introduction of the potato to the British Isles have by 1800?

It became a staple crop, especially in Ireland. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the susceptibility of the potato crop to pests and pathogens?

Low genetic variation due to reliance on a single cultivar. Signup and view all the answers

What ecological condition is essential for the thriving of taro corm?

Water-saturated soils in tropical climates. Signup and view all the answers

What method is used for propagating yams?

Cutting mature tubers into small pieces. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes a true root?

A plant part primarily responsible for absorption and conduction of water and nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes bulbs from tubers in their structure?

Bulbs have roots at the bottom, while tubers do not have visible roots. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a major root crop?

Cauliflower Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of taproots?

They are specialized for storing carbohydrates and swollen. Signup and view all the answers

Which family do onions belong to?

Amaryllidaceae Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the initial uses of spices in food?

To mask the smell and taste of spoiling food Signup and view all the answers

Which group played a significant role in the spice distribution following the Crusades?

Venetian merchants Signup and view all the answers

What led to the sacking of Constantinople in 1204 during the Fourth Crusade?

Insufficient funds for the Crusaders’ transportation Signup and view all the answers

What type of spices were primarily imported to Europe through the Spice Trade?

Black pepper and other products from India and China Signup and view all the answers

What effect did Marco Polo's expeditions have on Europe regarding spices?

They facilitated the spice trade with newly discovered regions Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary reasons the overland caravan trade routes became dangerous?

Profiteering making supply unreliable and expensive Signup and view all the answers

Which country initially monopolized the trade in black pepper and other spices?

The Portuguese Empire Signup and view all the answers

Which essential oil extracted from mint family species is commonly used in cosmetics?

Rosemary oil Signup and view all the answers

What culinary use is most associated with Oregano?

Pasta and pizza sauces Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about mint family spices is correct?

Many species contain fragrant essential oils Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between starch and cellulose regarding digestibility?

Only starch is digestible by most organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is produced when starch is broken down by amylase?

Maltose and glucose Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about cellulose is false?

Cellulose is used as a primary food source for germinated seedlings. Signup and view all the answers

How is bioethanol typically produced from sugar?

Via anaerobic fermentation by yeasts. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes bioethanol as a sustainable energy source?

It comes from renewable plant materials. Signup and view all the answers

What is the energy balance for bioethanol production when two units of fossil fuel produce three units of ethanol?

1.5 Signup and view all the answers

Which country achieves a significantly higher energy balance in bioethanol production compared to the U.S.?

Brazil Signup and view all the answers

What initial use was primarily responsible for the spread of sugar cane cultivation?

Sweet chewing cane Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of establishing large sugar plantations in the Caribbean during European colonization?

Initiation of the African slave trade Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant health risk associated with trans fats?

Increased risk of heart disease Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the molecular structure of soap molecules?

One end is hydrophobic and the other is hydrophilic Signup and view all the answers

Which historical period saw the production of the first modern soaps?

Medieval Muslims Signup and view all the answers

What type of fatty acids are crucial for human health and may help reduce depression?

Omega-3 fatty acids Signup and view all the answers

Which ingredient was used in the earliest recorded soap production in Babylon?

Cassia oil Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary process used to produce biodiesel from plant oils?

Transesterification Signup and view all the answers

Which plant oil has the highest production efficiency for biodiesel, exceeding 5,000 kg/ha?

Palm oil Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic makes canola oil particularly beneficial as a food source?

Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a significant disadvantage of biodiesel compared to petrodiesel?

Increased nitric oxide emissions Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the canola plant species name?

Canadian oil, low acid Signup and view all the answers

What defines saturated fats in plant oils?

They contain only single bonds between carbon atoms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of hydrogenation in fats?

It produces trans fatty acids that can adversely affect cholesterol levels. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following oils is categorized as a drying oil?

Sunflower oil Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the configuration of hydrogen atoms have on the properties of fatty acids?

Trans bonds lead to a higher melting point compared to cis bonds. Signup and view all the answers

Which plant oil is commonly linked to processed foods and cosmetics?

Soybean oil Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus)

Family: Pea family (Fabaceae)
Type: Herbaceous vine
Lifespan: Perennial (lives longer than two years)
Native Distribution: Mexico and Central America

History

Domestication: First domesticated in Mexico, archaeological sites date back to 3000 BC.
Widely Grown: Central America and Southeast Asia
Introduction to Asia: Introduced by the Spanish in the 17th century.

Utilization

Part Used: Tuberous root
Processing:
- Harvesting: Dig from the ground
- Peeling: Remove the thin brown skin
- Cutting: Cut into sticks, cubes, or slices
Consumption:
- Raw: Salads, salsas, crunchy snacks (with lime juice and chili powder)
- Cooked: Stir-fries, soups, stews (retains crisp texture)

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Description

Explore the fascinating history and utilization of jicama, a tuberous root native to Mexico and Central America. Learn about its domestication, processing techniques, and how it is consumed both raw and cooked in various dishes.