Jicama: History and Utilization
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Questions and Answers

What type of plant is jicama classified as?

  • Shrub
  • Annual flower
  • Herbaceous vine (correct)
  • Woody tree

What characteristic defines jicama as a perennial plant?

  • It produces flowers annually.
  • It is a trees that can live for decades.
  • It only grows in summer.
  • It lives longer than two years. (correct)

Which region is most widely associated with the domestication of jicama?

  • Southeast Asia
  • North America
  • Southern Africa
  • Central America (correct)

Which part of the jicama plant is utilized for consumption?

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

What is the first step in processing jicama for use?

<p>Harvesting the tuberous root (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

Which of the following describes the Jatropha plant?

<p>A woody perennial shrub (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the step that comes immediately after drying the harvested seeds of Jatropha?

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

What is the purpose of filtering the extracted oil from Jatropha seeds?

<p>To remove impurities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the native distribution of Jatropha is accurate?

<p>It is native to subtropical and tropical regions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes true roots?

<p>True roots are involved in the absorption and conduction of water and nutrients. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes corms from bulbs?

<p>Corms lack roots at their base, while bulbs possess them. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which vegetable crop is classified under the category of green vegetables?

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

Which of the following plants is an example of a bulb?

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

What is the primary characteristic of taproots?

<p>They are specialized for carbohydrate storage. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant agricultural impact occurred due to the potato blight in Ireland?

<p>Emigration of a million people to North America (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic increases the susceptibility of the potato crop to pest and disease outbreaks?

<p>Low genetic variation from a single cultivar (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for cooking taro before consumption?

<p>To eliminate calcium oxalate crystals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which yam species is recognized as producing the largest tubers?

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

What common mistake is made regarding yams in relation to sweet potatoes?

<p>Confusing them as the same species (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the decline in the reliability and affordability of spice supply to Europe before 1499?

<p>Profiteering along overland trade routes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which company first monopolized the trade in spices such as black pepper?

<p>Portuguese East India Company (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mint family spices is widely known for its use in Italian cooking?

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

What characteristic of drying mint family leaves affects their use as spices?

<p>Can result in loss of essential oils (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which region is primarily associated with the native spices of the Mint family?

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

What role did spices play in ancient food preparation?

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

How did the Venetian merchants impact the Spice Trade?

<p>They facilitated the sacking of Constantinople to control the spice trade (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of Marco Polo’s expeditions between 1269-1294?

<p>The introduction of new Indian and East Asian spices to Europe (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of chemicals are primarily responsible for the aromas of spices?

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

What change happened in Europe during the Dark Ages in terms of spice usage?

<p>Only locally grown spices were utilized (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor primarily contributes to Brazil's high energy balance in bioethanol production compared to the U.S.?

<p>Availability of sugar cane as a crop (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What measurement indicates the efficiency of bioethanol production?

<p>The energy balance ratio (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of establishing large sugar cane plantations in the Caribbean during the 1500s?

<p>Increased availability of sugar in Europe (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which plant is noted for producing a significantly high volume of bioethanol per hectare in Brazilian plantations?

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

Which statement accurately describes the primary difference between starch and cellulose?

<p>Starch is composed of glucose units linked by alpha 1-4 bonds, while cellulose is linked by beta 1-4 bonds. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main structural component of plant cell walls?

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

Which factor contributes to the classification of bioethanol as a sustainable energy source?

<p>It is produced through anaerobic fermentation of plant materials. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about monosaccharides and disaccharides is correct?

<p>Monosaccharides cannot be further broken down into simpler sugars. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does amylase play in the digestion of starch?

<p>It breaks down starch into disaccharides and monosaccharides. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes saturated fats from unsaturated fats?

<p>Saturated fats have no double bonds between carbon atoms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process is used to convert unsaturated fatty acids into saturated ones?

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

What health risk is associated with trans fatty acids produced from hydrogenation?

<p>Increased heart disease risk (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main characteristics of biodiesel compared to petroleum-based diesel?

<p>Biodiesel is produced using transesterification. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which oil is known for creating soft, heavy-lathering soap?

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

What is a potential drawback of using biodiesel derived from canola oil in cold weather?

<p>It gels at temperatures below -10⁰C. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source from which sodium cocoate is derived?

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

What distinguishes extra virgin olive oil from other types of olive oil?

<p>It comes from the first pressing of the best olives. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the cultivation of peanuts?

<p>The peanut plant produces yellow flowers that self-pollinate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable culinary use of sesame oil?

<p>It is popular for flavoring dishes in Japan and China. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient in sesame seeds contributes to their health benefits?

<p>Rich in unsaturated fats. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common application for cottonseed oil?

<p>It serves as a key ingredient in cooking oils. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main economic use of the latex produced by the Para rubber tree?

<p>Production of tires (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of curing natural rubber primarily aimed at achieving?

<p>Stabilizing it against temperature changes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which compound is primarily responsible for the elastic properties of natural rubber?

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

What happens to raw or 'crude' rubber when it is subjected to cooling?

<p>It becomes brittle (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where is the majority of natural rubber currently produced, and why?

<p>Southeast Asia to avoid fungal diseases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of using natural rubber in modern radial tires?

<p>Increased shock absorption (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which country is NOT a major producer of natural rubber?

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

What was a significant outcome for indigenous rubber tappers during the rubber boom?

<p>They received little financial benefit. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method did the Mayans use to increase the durability of rubber?

<p>Adding morning glory sap (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Jicama Family

Jicama belongs to the Pachyrhizus genus.

Jicama Plant Type

Jicama is a herbaceous herb, perennial plant.

Jicama Origin

Jicama was first domesticated in somewhere in the Americas.

Jicama Main Growing Regions

It's widely grown in Central America and Mexico.

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Jicama Part Used

The tuberous root, after peeling and cutting, is used for eating.

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Jatropha Family

The botanical family to which Jatropha belongs.

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Jatropha plant type

Jatropha is a woody tree or shrub that is perennial which means it can live for more than a year.

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Jatropha Use

Jatropha is primarily cultivated for its oil extracted from its seeds, often for use as biodiesel.

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Jatropha seed processing

The process involves: harvesting, drying, crushing, pressing, filtering, and refining the seeds to extract and purify usable oil.

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Jatropha Oil Production

Jatropha seeds are the main component in producing usable oil to potentially be used as alternative fuel.

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Root Crop

A vegetable whose harvested part is dug from the ground. It includes true roots and underground stems.

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Taproot

A large, swollen true root that stores carbohydrates.

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Bulb

A modified stem with basal scale leaves, like onions.

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Green Vegetable Crop

Above-ground parts of plants (except the fruit).

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Allium genus

A group of monocot plants including onions, garlic, and chives.

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Potato Origin

The potato (Solanum tuberosum) originated in the Andes Mountains of Bolivia and Peru.

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Irish Potato Famine Cause

A potato blight (Phytophthora infestans) decimated the potato crop in Ireland, leading to widespread starvation and emigration.

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Potato Propagation Method

Potatoes reproduce vegetatively through "eyes" (small buds) on the tubers.

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Yam Types

Important tuber crops in tropical regions include yellow/white yams (Dioscorea cayenensis), water yam (Dioscorea alata), and cush-cush yam (Dioscorea trifida).

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Taro Characteristics

Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a corm, a monocot, and a significant carbohydrate source, especially in Southeast Asia and tropical regions; it requires cooking to remove toxins.

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Spices

Plant parts (fruits, seeds, leaves, rhizomes) used in cooking to add flavor and aroma.

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Spice use in history

Initially used for preservation, antimicrobial action, and masking spoiled food; later used to enhance bland foods.

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Crusades and Spice Trade

Crusaders' dependence on Venetian transport led to the sacking of Constantinople, making Venice the major spice distributor from the trans-Asian Spice Trade.

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Spice Trade and Marco Polo

Marco Polo's expeditions introduced Indian and East Asian spices to Europe, further expanding the spice trade.

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Volatile Oils in Spices

Chemical compounds (terpenoids/monoterpenes) in spices that provide aroma and flavor, readily carried in air.

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Spice trade route

A historical network of overland and maritime routes used to transport spices from Asia to Europe.

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Vasco da Gama's voyage

The sea route from Europe to India and East Asia around Africa, a significant change in spice trade.

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Dutch/British companies

Companies like the Dutch and British East India Companies, dominant in the spice trade and establishing colonies.

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Plantation agriculture

Large-scale farming of spices and other crops in colonies, ensuring reliable supply and affordability.

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Mint Family spices

Culinary herbs, primarily from the Mediterranean region, used for flavoring and aroma, often dried or fresh.

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Sugar

Simple carbohydrates, including monosaccharides (like glucose) and disaccharides (like sucrose).

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Starch

A polysaccharide composed of glucose units, commonly found in plant seeds and used as a food source.

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Cellulose

A structural polysaccharide found in plant cell walls, difficult for most organisms to digest.

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Gasoline

A refined petroleum product, a mixture of chemicals used as fuel.

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Bioethanol

An alcohol fuel produced from plant materials, considered a sustainable alternative to gasoline.

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Bioethanol Energy Balance

The ratio of bioethanol energy produced to the energy required for its manufacture.

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Bioethanol Production Efficiency

The efficiency of bioethanol production is largely determined by the energy balance.

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Sugar Cane Bioethanol

Bioethanol produced from sugar cane, known for a high energy balance.

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Sugar Cane Plantation Yield

Brazilian sugar cane plantations have a high bioethanol production output, of 5,300-6,500 liters per hectare.

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Sugarcane Origins

Sugar cane was domesticated in the Pacific region, Southeast Asia, India, and later back to China and India.

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Plant Oils

Lipid-soluble triglycerides, typically extracted from seeds or fruits, consisting of three fatty acids and a glycerol molecule.

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Saturated Fats

Fats with no double bonds between carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain, fully saturated with hydrogen atoms.

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Unsaturated Fats

Fats with one or more double bonds between carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain, not fully saturated with hydrogen atoms.

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Hydrogenation

A process that converts unsaturated fats to saturated fats by adding hydrogen atoms, increasing viscosity and melting point, but potentially creating trans fatty acids.

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Trans Fatty Acids

Unsaturated fatty acids with hydrogen atoms on opposite sides of the double bond, linked to increased 'bad' cholesterol and heart disease risk.

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Soap from plant oils

Soaps can be made from various plant oils, with different types producing distinct properties (e.g., mild, soft, or hard).

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Commercial soap detergents

Many modern soaps and shampoos contain chemical detergents like SLES and SLS, which are less expensive to produce.

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Biodiesel Fuel

A fuel made from plant oils using transesterification, creating methyl esters, compared to petroleum-based diesel which is composed of hydrocarbons.

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Canola Oil

A versatile plant oil found in canola seeds, rich in healthy oils like omega 3 and 6, and suitable for cooking, salads, etc., and can be a source for biodiesel.

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Biodiesel production efficiency

The amount of biodiesel fuel produced per unit of land. Different plant oils have varying efficiency.

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Virgin Olive Oil

High-quality olive oil obtained by cold-pressing olives, retaining a distinct olive flavor.

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Sesame Seeds

Small, oval seeds from the sesame plant, high in unsaturated fats, used in various dishes, especially in Asian cuisine, and in ingredients like halva.

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Peanut Oil

Edible oil extracted from peanuts, a common cooking oil used in many dishes and processed foods.

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Cottonseed Oil

A by-product of the cotton textile industry, recently used as an edible oil, is extracted from cotton seeds.

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Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The first pressing of the best olives; the highest quality of olive oil.

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Plant Latex Composition

A stable emulsion of polyterpenes in water, with minor components like proteins, alkaloids, resins, and gums.

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Para Rubber Tree

The most important latex-producing plant, native to South America, now primarily cultivated in Southeast Asia and Africa.

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Vulcanization

A process that cures raw rubber by cross-linking isoprene polymers with sulfur, stabilizing it against temperature changes, making it harder, more durable, elastic, and less thermoplastic.

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Lactifer Vessels

Specialized cells in plants that produce latex in response to wounding; often found in inner bark.

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Elastomer

A polymer with elastic properties, meaning it stretches and returns to its original shape.

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Natural Rubber Source

Natural rubber is primarily sourced from rubber trees grown in plantations, mainly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

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Synthetic Rubber Use

Synthetic rubber is a petroleum-based alternative to natural rubber, often used in applications requiring durability.

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Rubber's Applications

Rubber is used in various products due to its ability to absorb and release energy efficiently, showcasing resilience and flexibility.

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Indigenous Rubber Use

Indigenous Mesoamericans and South Americans used rubber latex for various purposes, including making balls and water-resistant materials.

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Rubber Production History

Rubber production, particularly by 'rubber tappers' in the Amazon region, led to the extraction and processing of latex into rubber products and their export to Europe and beyond.

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Study Notes

Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus)

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

History as a Food Plant

  • Domestication: Mexico, archaeological sites dating back to 3000 BC. Also found in Peru.
  • Major growing regions: Central America and Southeast Asia.
  • Use in Central America: Staple food for centuries.
  • Use in Southeast Asia: Introduced by the Spanish in the 17th century, now popular in countries like Philippines, China.

Utilization

  • Part used: Tuberous root
  • Processing:
    • Harvesting: Taproot system, harvested from the ground.
    • Peeling: Thin, brown skin peeled off.
    • Cutting: into sticks, cubes, or slices.
  • Preparation methods:
    • Raw: Salads, salsas, crunchy snacks (lime juice, chili powder).
    • Cooked: Stir-fries, soups, stews (retains crisp texture).

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Description

Discover the fascinating history and uses of jicama, an herbaceous vine native to Mexico and Central America. This quiz covers its domestication, popularization in Southeast Asia, and various preparation methods for the nutritious tuberous root. Test your knowledge on this unique food plant!

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