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 (B)

Where was jicama first domesticated?

Central America

The tuberous root of jicama is harvested from the ______.

<p>ground</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each process of jicama preparation with its description:

<p>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</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

Jatropha is classified as a perennial plant.

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

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

<p>Harvesting</p> Signup and view all the answers

The seeds of Jatropha are crushed to extract the ______.

<p>oil</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>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</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of true roots?

<p>Absorption and conduction of water and nutrients (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

All underground plant structures are considered root crops.

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

Name one example of a tuber.

<p>Potato</p> Signup and view all the answers

The important food bulbs primarily belong to the genus __________.

<p>Allium</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of underground crops with their descriptions:

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

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

<p>Low genetic variation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

<p>They are important carbohydrate sources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The potato is part of the ______ family.

<p>Solanaceae</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following yam varieties with their characteristics:

<p>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</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about cassava is true?

<p>Cassava must be processed to remove poisonous substances. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

What is poi made from?

<p>taro</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>fall</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Cassava = Contains poisonous cyanogenic glycosides Sweet Potato = Highly nutritious and susceptible to pathogens Carrot = Part of the Apiaceae family Taro = Used to make poi</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

<p>The sacking of Constantinople</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>aromatic terpenoids</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>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</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Vasco de Gama (A)</p> 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.

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

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

<p>Cosmetics industry</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>oregano</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following Mint Family spices with their descriptions:

<p>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</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common culinary use of sage?

<p>As a seasoning for roasted meats (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Basil is a herb that was first domesticated in Europe.

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

The main ingredient in pesto sauce is ______ leaves.

<p>basil</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following herbs with their primary usage:

<p>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</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Jicama family

The plant family Pachyrhizuserosus belongs to.

Jicama type of plant

Jicama is a herbaceous herb that is perennial.

Jicama origin

The location where jicama was first cultivated.

Jicama main growing areas

The two global regions where jicama is widely used and cultivated.

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Jicama processing steps

The steps involved in preparing jicama for consumption: harvesting, peeling, and cutting.

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Jatropha family

The plant family Jatropha belongs to.

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Jatropha plant type

A woody tree, not a herb or shrub, and perennial.

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Jatropha use

Primarily grown for its oil, typically for biodiesel.

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Jatropha oil extraction: step 1

Harvesting the seeds from the plant.

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Jatropha oil extraction: step 4

Pressing the crushed seed to extract the oil.

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Root Crop

A vegetable dug from the soil. It can be a true root (for water/nutrient absorption) or another underground stem.

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Taproot

A large, swollen true root specialized for storing carbohydrates.

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Bulb (vegetable)

Modified stem with basal scale leaves; e.g., onion, garlic.

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Vegetable

Any plant part (above or below ground) that is not a fruit.

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Green Vegetable

Above-ground vegetable parts (leaves, stems, immature flowers, shoot tips, seedlings).

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Potato origin

Native to the Andes Mountains of Bolivia and Peru.

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Irish Potato Famine cause

A potato blight (Phytophthora infestans) decimated the crop in 1846-47.

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Potato propagation method

Vegetative propagation using the "eyes" of the tuber, producing clones.

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Corm characteristic

A modified stem, often in tropical regions, a monocot.

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Taro cultivation

The staple crop thrives in water-saturated soils in tropical climates and must be cooked to remove irritant calcium oxalate crystals.

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Cassava

A tropical starchy root crop, native to Central and South America, crucial for starch in the tropics, especially in Africa.

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Sweet Potato

A highly nutritious root crop (Ipomoea batatas) propagated from cuttings, rich in starch, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Often mistaken for yams.

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Taproot

A large, swollen true root specialized for storing carbohydrates found primarily in biennial cool-temperate plants.

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Poi

Fermented taro paste, a popular taro-based porridge, primarily in Hawaii and the South Pacific.

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Biennial Plant

A plant that completes its life cycle in two years, storing carbs in its first year and using them to produce flowers and fruit in the second.

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Spice use in history

Spices were initially used as preservatives, antimicrobial agents, and for medicinal purposes, masking spoilage odors, and enhancing flavor.

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Spice source chemical

Aromatic volatile oils, mainly terpenoids/monoterpenes, located in various plant parts.

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Crusades' impact on spices

The Crusades facilitated the spread of spices in Europe, with Venetian traders playing a key role.

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Fourth Crusade impact

The devastating attack on Constantinople by the Crusaders, which made Venice a major spice trade hub.

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Spice Trade benefits

The exchange of spices, from Asia, for European goods like grains, wines, and textiles.

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Overland Caravan Trade Route Dangers

Profiteering made spices expensive and unreliable, and travel across deserts was difficult with limited transportation.

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Vasco da Gama's Sea Route

He found a sea route from Europe to India and East Asia by sailing around Africa in 1499.

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Portuguese East India Company Monopoly

The Portuguese initially controlled the spice trade, especially black pepper.

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Mint Family Spices

Herbs and shrubs from the Mediterranean with fragrant oils, used as spices (e.g., rosemary, thyme, oregano).

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Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano Use

Different members of the Mint family used for cooking (e.g., rosemary in cooking, thyme in sauces, oregano in Italian dishes).

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Marjoram use

Used as a seasoning in northern Italy, similar to oregano in the south.

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Sage flavor

Pungent, strong, and somewhat bitter, used in roasted meats and poultry.

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Basil origin

Originally from Africa, India, and the eastern Mediterranean, also Southeast Asia.

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Mint family uses

Includes spearmint, peppermint, and field mint; used as potherbs, teas and menthol extraction.

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Perilla use

Fresh or pickled perilla leaves are central to Korean and Japanese cuisine.

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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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Related Documents

Vegetables: Biol 1300 Unit 6 PDF
Jicama (Pachyrhizuserosus) Assignment 3
Assignment 4 - Jatropha
Biol 1300 Unit 7 Spices And Flavourings PDF

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!

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