Jicama is an edible root plant which is very nutritious and edible to consume. The vegetable is extremely versatile and can be consumed in its raw form or prepared. Anyone who loves eating this root vegetable must ensure that they are properly stored. If not, thanks to their high moisture content, they will spoil quickly. Jicama can be stored in the fridge, the pantry or even in the freezer. In all of these storage locations, one would like to ask: how long does jicama last? Well, let us find out the right answers.
In this blog post, I’ll go in-depth about how long Jicama lasts, how to keep them and the best way to know if they’re not good. If you want all the details, just read on.
How long does Jicama last?
Jicama is an herbaceous root that will last for a long time when stored in the correct condition. The ideal temperature for storage is 55-59degF (12.5 to 15 degrees Celsius).
Fresh jicama can last up to four months. However, the majority of homes will have a difficult time maintaining the right temperature.
Thus, at room temperatures fresh jicama can last for between 1 and 2 weeks.
If stored in the refrigerator, and well stored, the jicama may last between 2 and three weeks. After it’s cut and cooled, you can store the pieces for up to a week.
If you store it in your freezer, no matter if it’s the entire vegetable or cut, it will last for at least one year.
Can Jicama Go Bad?
Because it’s an herb, the jicama is able to endure for quite a long time once it’s picked. The tubers typically go to waste rapidly if their outer surface is damaged or poorly handled, or not stored correctly. Each of these causes will cut the shelf life of these tubers by half.
Because they contain a large amount of water and abrasive handling could cause skin damage and result in the flesh being exposed to air. After that, the air begins to burn the flesh as well as cause vegetables to turn bad.
How To Tell If Jicama is Bad And What Are The Signs?
Jicama is an edible root vegetable that can last for a long time in the proper condition. Sometimes, because of the temperature of storage, damage caused during storage or because it’s been in the storage area for too long, it can make them go bad.
As with other root vegetables, when jicama is beginning to deteriorate, there will be some tell-tale indications that you should look for.
Appearance – When jicama begins to deteriorate, it’ll have spots across it. When there’s just a few of dark spots scattered around but it’s still acceptable. Another option is to determine if there’s any form of mold on the skin. If there is mold and lots of dark spots everywhere it is best to get the skin.
In the interior, watch for an increase in the color of the flesh as well as the softness. A good quality jicama should have a beautiful light yellow hue throughout and be firm to the feel. If it’s soft and shows yellowing in the flesh, throw away the vegetable.
The smell – When jicama gets bad, it will emit an unpleasant smell. It’s a scent that can make people turn their heads away. Any smell that isn’t fresh should be removed.
How Do I Store Jicama?
Storing Jicama at room temperature
Jicama requires little preparation for storage. If they’re kept in a room at temps that are comfortable, be sure they’re kept away from direct sunlight as well as any other heat sources. The heat generated by appliances or sunlight could cause the tubers to cook and harm it.
The ideal place to keep jicama in is in the pantry, where it’s dry and cool. This is the kind of environment that the Jicama requires to last for a long time.
At temperatures at room temperature, only the whole jicama may be kept in the pantry. Before putting the tubers in the pantry, you should be sure there’s no damage or cuts in the skin. If there is damage then it is best to cut them off and store it in the refrigerator.
Storing Jicama in the Fridge
If you have jicama which has been cut, cut or have some left over that have not been utilized it is best to store them in the refrigerator. place to keep the leftovers.
In a container that is airtight, place the pieces of Jicama in it. The lid should be placed on top and be sure you seal it tightly. A tiny amount of air that is pushed in the container could cause it to become rotten.
Can You Freeze Jicama?
Yes you can freeze Jicama. It’s an excellent way to keep jicama when it isn’t needed at the moment, but you need to store them for more than one month.
When it comes to storing jicama, you can choose between two options. You can either keep the whole jicama or store the jicama cut or sliced. In either way, you can count on the jicama’s lifespan to be one year if it’s stored properly.
The storage of this tuber requires it to be kept in an airtight container, or in a freezer bag. It is essential to keep the jicama in a dry place at all times. If air is allowed to enter the container, the moisture will begin to build up on the vegetable, which will eventually ruin it.
Before you can store them, you’ll need to prepare them beforehand. If you are storing the entire jicama, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag that can be resealable and ensure that it’s sealed with a tight seal.
How long does cut Jicama last?
Cut jicama can stay at the counter for two to three days before getting rotten if stored it in the correct conditions in the counter. It can be still fresh even after a few days of expiration, while others go bad before the date.
In the fridge, the cut Jicama will last from 7 to 10 days before they go bad completely. If they are stored in the right conditions, they will last in the refrigerator.
In the freezer, cut jicama is expected to last between 8 and 14 days before it begins to become rotten. If it is stored in the correct conditions inside the fridge, of course.
Cut jicama isn’t going to last for long as it’s already exposed. Exposure to moisture can cause a vegetable to become rotten quickly.
Then it will decay quickly due to the covering of the jicama’s cover is no anymore, and if there isn’t a covering for the thing, how will it be able to endure?
The same thing happens to the jicama. If the cover isn’t present, it can go to a bad state quickly.
Remember to put your jicama cut or slice in the freezer, as it’s your only place that can make it last for a longer time.
If you are cutting Jicama, gently pat it down using a clean towel first. This will help remove any moisture that is left on the vegetable. Next, place the jicama pieces in a cling wrapper and wrap it several times around.
Inside an airtight container or in a freezer bag, you should place your jicama in a wrap. If you’re using a freezer bag, press down on the bag to get rid of any air. After that, seal it.
To ensure that your container is airtight be sure that you have a lid that is water-proof. Only a tiny amount of air getting in the container could cause damage to the tubers and reduce their shelf lifespan.
How to make Jicama last longer?
Purchase Fresh Jicama
The length of time jicama can last depends on the freshness of it. So, it’s crucial to ensure that the moment you buy them from the grocery store, they are at their freshest condition.
At the grocery store, it can be difficult to determine what time the vegetable is due to expire because there isn’t an expiration date on them.
The sole way to determine the freshness of the jicama will be to examine it before you buy. First thing you should look for is the appearance of it. A good quality jicama should be clear in color and possess no flaws or blemishes.
Another way to determine the quality of the product is to pick one up and then gently squeeze it. The jicama needs to be solid and not have soft spots. If it’s soft and begins to lose its firmness, it’s probably going to break and won’t last for very long after you buy it.
Proper Storage
Jicama generally lasts about a week. However, it is possible to make them last longer by appropriately storing them.
For jicama that is not cut, store them in a dry, cool place covered. A good place is the pantry. Be sure to keep them dry since mold will begin to develop on it.
When jicama is cut, they must to be placed at room temperature as quickly as it is possible. The root vegetable should be kept in the bag of plastic or in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
How Long Does Jicama Last on the Counter?
Jicama that is sold at the counter can last for a period of 1 to 2 weeks before it begins to go into a state of complete decay. If you keep it in the proper conditions, it can be stored on the counter. It is safe to consume after a few weeks. It’s all about how you handle it.
Make sure to store your delicious vegetables on the counter when you’ll utilize them within a few hours of purchase. Store them in a cool, dry place out of sunlight.
As storing your food on the counter isn’t good for your vegetable, you should not make it worse by storing near sunlight.
Instead of keeping it on the counter, keep it in the freezer for more storage.
Wrapping up
How long does jicama last? Well, I’ve already answered this question above for you.
This amazing vegetable has a number of health benefits. One of the health benefits is that it could help you in losing weight. It’s also a great antioxidant beneficial for the gut bacteria. It can help reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease. However, if you see any indication of the fruit going bad, just toss it away.
You may also read: How Long Does Kiwi Fruit Last?
