Jicama Plant Overview and Uses

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Questions and Answers

What type of plant is jicama?

Shrub

Herbaceous (correct)

Tree

Woody

Jicama is an annual plant that only lives for one year.

False

Where was jicama first domesticated?

Central America

The tuberous root of jicama is harvested from the ______.

ground Signup and view all the answers

Match each process of jicama preparation with its description:

Harvesting = The tuberous root is collected from the soil Peeling = Removing the skin using a peeler or knife Cutting = Chopping the peeled jicama into various shapes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary economic purpose for which Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) is grown?

Biodiesel production Signup and view all the answers

Jatropha is classified as a perennial plant.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the processing of Jatropha seeds to extract oil?

Harvesting Signup and view all the answers

The seeds of Jatropha are crushed to extract the ______.

oil Signup and view all the answers

Match the following processing steps of Jatropha oil extraction with their descriptions:

Harvesting = Collecting the seeds from the plant Drying = Reducing moisture content of the seeds Crushing = Breaking the seeds to extract oil Filtering = Removing impurities from the extracted oil Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of true roots?

Absorption and conduction of water and nutrients Signup and view all the answers

All underground plant structures are considered root crops.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one example of a tuber.

Potato Signup and view all the answers

The important food bulbs primarily belong to the genus __________.

Allium Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of underground crops with their descriptions:

Bulbs = Modified stems with basal scale leaves Rhizomes = Swollen, horizontal underground stems Tubers = Swollen, greatly enlarged rhizome tips Corms = Enlarged, swollen fleshy stem bases Signup and view all the answers

What was a major factor that made the potato crop susceptible to potato blight?

Low genetic variation Signup and view all the answers

Potatoes are about 80% protein and contain significant amounts of vitamins.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary economic importance of yams in tropical regions?

They are important carbohydrate sources. Signup and view all the answers

The potato is part of the ______ family.

Solanaceae Signup and view all the answers

Match the following yam varieties with their characteristics:

White and yellow yams = Native to West Africa and important carbohydrate source Water yam = Produces tubers up to 20 kg, widely grown in East Asia and Africa Cush-Cush yam = Produces small, yellow tubers, native to Central America Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about cassava is true?

Cassava must be processed to remove poisonous substances. Signup and view all the answers

Sweet potatoes are often mistakenly labeled as yams in North American supermarkets.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is poi made from?

taro Signup and view all the answers

The taproots of biennial species store carbohydrates during their first year and are harvested in early ______.

fall Signup and view all the answers

Match the following root-related crops with their main characteristics:

Cassava = Contains poisonous cyanogenic glycosides Sweet Potato = Highly nutritious and susceptible to pathogens Carrot = Part of the Apiaceae family Taro = Used to make poi 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

Marco Polo's expeditions introduced spices from Europe to Asia.

False Signup and view all the answers

What major event during the Crusades allowed Venice to become a main distributor of spices?

The sacking of Constantinople Signup and view all the answers

The chemical substances that contribute to the flavors and aromas of spices are mainly called __________.

aromatic terpenoids Signup and view all the answers

Match the following historical events with their significance in the spice trade:

Crusades = Spread of spices to Europe Roman conquests = Introduction of Mediterranean spices to northern Europe Marco Polo's expeditions = Introduction of Indian and East Asian spices to Europe Fourth Crusade = Destruction of Constantinople leading to spice trade wealth Signup and view all the answers

Who discovered the alternative sea trade route from Europe to India and East Asia?

Vasco de Gama Signup and view all the answers

The British and Dutch completely eliminated the Portuguese East India Company's control over spice trade in the 1600s.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary uses of essential oils extracted from Mint Family plants?

Cosmetics industry Signup and view all the answers

The leaves of _____ are widely used in Italian cooking, especially in pizza and pasta sauces.

oregano Signup and view all the answers

Match the following Mint Family spices with their descriptions:

Rosemary = Woody Mediterranean tall shrub with a sharp flavor Thyme = Highly aromatic low shrub used in various dishes Oregano = Pungent perennial herb used in Italian cooking Mint = Plant producing fragrant essential oils Signup and view all the answers

What is a common culinary use of sage?

As a seasoning for roasted meats Signup and view all the answers

Basil is a herb that was first domesticated in Europe.

False Signup and view all the answers

The main ingredient in pesto sauce is ______ leaves.

basil Signup and view all the answers

Match the following herbs with their primary usage:

Sage = Seasoning for roasted meats Basil = Used in salads and pasta sauces Spearmint = Potherb in meat and vegetable dishes Peppermint = Extracted for menthol used in various products Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus)

Plant family: Fabaceae (pea family)
Type of plant: Herbaceous vine
Lifecycle: Perennial (lives longer than 2 years)
Native to: Mexico and Central America

History as a Food Plant

First domesticated in Mexico around 3000 BC
Archaeological sites in Peru date back to 3000 BC.
Widely grown in Central America and Southeast Asia
Introduced to Southeast Asia by the Spanish in the 17th century.
Now popular in the Philippines, China, and other parts of the region.

Utilization

Part used: Tuberous root (tap root system)
Processing steps:
- Harvesting: Root is dug from the ground
- Peeling: Thin brown skin is removed
- Cutting: Cut into sticks, cubes, or slices, depending on use.
Culinary uses:
- Enjoyed raw in salads, salsas, or as a crunchy snack
- Lime juice and chili powder can be added
- Stir-fries, soups, and stews, retaining its crisp texture.

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Description

Discover the fascinating history and culinary applications of jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus), a perennial herbaceous vine native to Mexico and Central America. This quiz explores its domestication, processing, and how it's enjoyed in various dishes across the globe. Test your knowledge on this unique and versatile food plant!

Jicama Plant Overview and Uses

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Podcast

Questions and Answers

What type of plant is jicama?

Jicama is an annual plant that only lives for one year.

Where was jicama first domesticated?

The tuberous root of jicama is harvested from the ______.

Match each process of jicama preparation with its description:

What is the primary economic purpose for which Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) is grown?

Jatropha is classified as a perennial plant.

What is the first step in the processing of Jatropha seeds to extract oil?

The seeds of Jatropha are crushed to extract the ______.

Match the following processing steps of Jatropha oil extraction with their descriptions:

What is the main function of true roots?

All underground plant structures are considered root crops.

Name one example of a tuber.

The important food bulbs primarily belong to the genus __________.

Match the following types of underground crops with their descriptions:

What was a major factor that made the potato crop susceptible to potato blight?

Potatoes are about 80% protein and contain significant amounts of vitamins.

What is the primary economic importance of yams in tropical regions?

The potato is part of the ______ family.

Match the following yam varieties with their characteristics:

Which statement about cassava is true?

Sweet potatoes are often mistakenly labeled as yams in North American supermarkets.

What is poi made from?

The taproots of biennial species store carbohydrates during their first year and are harvested in early ______.

Match the following root-related crops with their main characteristics:

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

Marco Polo's expeditions introduced spices from Europe to Asia.

What major event during the Crusades allowed Venice to become a main distributor of spices?

The chemical substances that contribute to the flavors and aromas of spices are mainly called __________.

Match the following historical events with their significance in the spice trade:

Who discovered the alternative sea trade route from Europe to India and East Asia?

The British and Dutch completely eliminated the Portuguese East India Company's control over spice trade in the 1600s.

What is one of the primary uses of essential oils extracted from Mint Family plants?

The leaves of _____ are widely used in Italian cooking, especially in pizza and pasta sauces.

Match the following Mint Family spices with their descriptions:

What is a common culinary use of sage?

Basil is a herb that was first domesticated in Europe.

The main ingredient in pesto sauce is ______ leaves.

Match the following herbs with their primary usage:

Study Notes

Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus)

History as a Food Plant

Utilization

Studying That Suits You

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