Jicama: History and Utilization

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

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?

Tuberous root Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in processing jicama for use?

Harvesting the tuberous root Signup and view all the answers

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

For biodiesel production Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the Jatropha plant?

A woody perennial shrub Signup and view all the answers

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

Crushing the seeds Signup and view all the answers

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

To remove impurities Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the native distribution of Jatropha is accurate?

It is native to subtropical and tropical regions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes true roots?

True roots are involved in the absorption and conduction of water and nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes corms from bulbs?

Corms lack roots at their base, while bulbs possess them. Signup and view all the answers

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

Spinach Signup and view all the answers

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

Onion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of taproots?

They are specialized for carbohydrate storage. Signup and view all the answers

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

Emigration of a million people to North America Signup and view all the answers

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

Low genetic variation from a single cultivar Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for cooking taro before consumption?

To eliminate calcium oxalate crystals Signup and view all the answers

Which yam species is recognized as producing the largest tubers?

Water yam Signup and view all the answers

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

Confusing them as the same species 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?

Profiteering along overland trade routes Signup and view all the answers

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

Portuguese East India Company Signup and view all the answers

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

Oregano Signup and view all the answers

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

Can result in loss of essential oils Signup and view all the answers

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

Mediterranean Signup and view all the answers

What role did spices play in ancient food preparation?

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

How did the Venetian merchants impact the Spice Trade?

They facilitated the sacking of Constantinople to control the spice trade Signup and view all the answers

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

The introduction of new Indian and East Asian spices to Europe Signup and view all the answers

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

Aromatic terpenoids Signup and view all the answers

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

Only locally grown spices were utilized Signup and view all the answers

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

Availability of sugar cane as a crop Signup and view all the answers

What measurement indicates the efficiency of bioethanol production?

The energy balance ratio Signup and view all the answers

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

Increased availability of sugar in Europe Signup and view all the answers

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

Sugar cane Signup and view all the answers

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

Starch is composed of glucose units linked by alpha 1-4 bonds, while cellulose is linked by beta 1-4 bonds. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main structural component of plant cell walls?

Cellulose Signup and view all the answers

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

It is produced through anaerobic fermentation of plant materials. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about monosaccharides and disaccharides is correct?

Monosaccharides cannot be further broken down into simpler sugars. Signup and view all the answers

What role does amylase play in the digestion of starch?

It breaks down starch into disaccharides and monosaccharides. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes saturated fats from unsaturated fats?

Saturated fats have no double bonds between carbon atoms. Signup and view all the answers

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

Hydrogenation Signup and view all the answers

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

Increased heart disease risk Signup and view all the answers

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

Biodiesel is produced using transesterification. Signup and view all the answers

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

Coconut oil Signup and view all the answers

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

It gels at temperatures below -10⁰C. Signup and view all the answers

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

Coconut oil Signup and view all the answers

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

It comes from the first pressing of the best olives. Signup and view all the answers

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

The peanut plant produces yellow flowers that self-pollinate. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable culinary use of sesame oil?

It is popular for flavoring dishes in Japan and China. Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient in sesame seeds contributes to their health benefits?

Rich in unsaturated fats. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common application for cottonseed oil?

It serves as a key ingredient in cooking oils. Signup and view all the answers

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

Production of tires Signup and view all the answers

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

Stabilizing it against temperature changes Signup and view all the answers

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

Polyisoprene Signup and view all the answers

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

It becomes brittle Signup and view all the answers

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

Southeast Asia to avoid fungal diseases Signup and view all the answers

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

Increased shock absorption Signup and view all the answers

Which country is NOT a major producer of natural rubber?

China Signup and view all the answers

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

They received little financial benefit. Signup and view all the answers

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

Adding morning glory sap Signup and view all the answers

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).

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

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!