Can You Freeze Jicama? [IMPORTANT TIPS]

If you are a fan of healthy eating and vegetables, then there’s a high chance of jicama making it to your favorites list. Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, it is bound to positively affect your health and your mood with its slightly sweet and awakening taste when dipped in lemon juice.

So, if you’re planning on consuming this amazing veggie, the question naturally arises, can you freeze jicama? Here, we will be discussing in detail the possibilities and steps needed.

Yes, you can freeze jicama. If you freeze it uncut and whole, it will allow the vegetable to keep its natural texture. If you cut it, the vegetable will become softer when defrosted. However, it is possible and safe to freeze it both ways. Jicama will last up to 12 months in your freezer.

How to freeze jicama?

Since you don’t always have the time to run to the market, you might want to freeze jicama for future use. Here are some steps on how to freeze both whole and cut jicama.

Freezing the whole jicama

Step 1: Wrap the jicama

To prevent the jicama from freezer burn or moisture loss, wrap it in aluminum foil.

Step 2: Freeze it up

Keep in the freezer for up to a year.

Freezing cut or shredded jicama

Step 1: Dry the cut jicama

Start by patting the cut or shredded jicama with a cloth or tissue/paper towel to absorb the moisture, so much so that the vegetable feels dry when touched.

Step 2: Place it in an air-tight box

Place the jicama in the box in a way that the pieces are not packed tightly together; otherwise, it might cause bruising.

Step 3: Label and freeze

Label the container with the date and contents, and place it in the freezer.

How to defrost jicamas?

To defrost, just transfer the jicama from the freezer to the fridge and let it defrost overnight. However, please remember that defrosted jicamas must be consumed right after defrosting, or they might become soggy due to the change in temperature.

How long does jicama last?

The jicamas must ideally be stored between 55 to 59°F; they can last up to 4 months at this temperature. In the freezer, jicama can last up to a year, cut or uncut. You can also keep whole jicamas in the fridge for up to 2 or 3 weeks. Unfortunately, cut jicama will only last you up to a week in the fridge. Fresh jicamas can last 1 or 2 weeks at room temperature.

How do you know if Jicama has gone bad?

As with most edibles, the rotten smell will be a major indicator. Additionally, if the texture is slimy or sticky, or if there is mold on the jicama, it should be discarded. In case you notice any blemishes, it is better not to consume them. If the inside of the jicama is getting brown, discard it.

Jicamas usually go bad when not stored in proper conditions or without proper steps (as have been discussed above). They may also go bad if there are any cuts or bruises already on the vegetable, which you do not notice, and they end up in your pantry. The best way to store such jicamas would be by cutting them up.

Jicamas might also go bad if stored under direct sunlight, near a heat source, or too near the refrigerator’s coolest area. The best place would be a cool and dry place to store them.

Related questions to freezing jicama1

What part of jicama is toxic?

Jicama’s skin, leaves, stems, and even seeds are unsafe to eat. Only consume the white flesh inside.

What is the best way to store jicama?

It is recommended that you store jicama at a cool temperature in a dry place. Or make sure you wrap it properly before freezing, cutting, or whole (cut pieces can be kept in an air-tight plastic box too). Or it can be refrigerated, and covered tightly with plastic.

Does jicama need to be peeled?

Yes, jicama needs to be peeled. Do it with a chef’s knife as a vegetable peeler would be unfit for the job.

Concluding our thoughts on freezing jicama!

It is not very difficult to freeze jicama; you should definitely give it a try if you’re planning on consuming this vegetable later. It is definitely a great addition to your diet. So, if you have given the article a read, you would be able to do a pretty good job at freezing this amazing veggie up. We hope that we were able to answer all your queries in this article. Happy freezing!

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