Jicama wraps are just raw jicama peeled and sliced very thin. These wraps are made to have circular shape. It is used to wrap fillings and are pliable enough to be bend or wrapped. They can be used as breakfast or lunch wrap and are so flexible that they can not break if they are rolled up, folded over or even heated. Jicama wraps can hold up much fillings pretty much than flour tortillas. Also, they do not tear up or spill out things in them.
WHAT ARE JICAMA WRAPS MADE FROM?
Jicama wraps are made from jicama root vegetable that is shaped like a globe. The root vegetable has a white, starchy color inside while the outside has a golden brown skin. Jicama plant produces toxic beans in its stem while the root is jicama.
The vegetable originated from Mexico, it is also native to South America. But it has spread to other places like Asia and Philippines, it thrives well during the warm seasons and cannot grow well in a freezing temperature. Jicama has the taste of a sweet, nutty flavor and is crunchy as well. According to many reviews, some liken the taste to be like a water chestnut while others argued that it tastes like a cross between a potato and a pear.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF JICAMA
Knowing the health advantages of jicama vegetable will help know what your body stands to gain if you consume the wraps as well.
1. It Aids Digestion
Jicama is very rich in fiber that 130 grams of this vegetable have 6.4 grams of fiber which is more than enough for our daily requirement. Fiber helps out digestive tract to function smoothly and passing out stool is made easier. Jicama has a fiber called inulin. Inulin is known to increase the frequency of bowel movement especially in people with constipation by up to 31%. There is also high water content in the vegetable which is good for digestion.
2. Jicama is Good for Gut Bacteria
Inulin is a good bacteria that can give the body good benefits, this fiber is present in jicama. It helps good bacteria which can be of health benefits to form and can be helpful in balancing immunity.
3. It Reduces the Chances of Having Cancer
Jicama is filled with many antioxidants like beta-carotone, selenuim, vitamins C and E. These antioxidants are known to neutralize factors that can lead to cancer. The fiber is also good for fighting against colon cancer. A study was carried out and the results showed that those who consume 27 grams of fiber or more had a 50% lower risk of developing colon cancer as compared to those who ate less than 11 grams. (National Library of Medicine, 1994).
4. It helps with Weight Loss
Jicama has less number of calories irrespective of the high amount of nutrients it has as well. The fiber keeps you filled up for longer time and help maintain your blood sugar. The inulin fiber can help with weight loss too.
5. It Regulates Blood Pressure
The potassium content in the root vegetable acts as a vasodilator which helps to bring down the tension put on the blood vessels and the circulatory system too. The presence of potassium in Jicama also helps to maintain fluid balance in our body in opposition to sodium.
6. Jicama is Good for the Brain
There are vitamins in jicama that can improve the brain function and abilities. Nutrients like Vitamin B6 does not only improve cognitive abilities but it helps in breaking down animo acids which are good for the various body organs to function very well.
We can as well conclude that jicama wraps have the same health benefits as the raw root vegetable because the wraps are only made with the vegetable. Looking at the ingredients of many jicama wrap brands like Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Whole Foods, the only ingredient mentioned at the back of the wrap is jicama.
JICAMA WRAPS NUTRITION
The nutritional value may vary a little depending on the brand. Trader Joe’s’s jicama wraps nutritional value is:
Serves about 6 amount %DV
- Total Fat 0 g 0%
- Total Carbohydrate 3 g 1%
- Dietary Fiber 2 g 7%
- Total Sugars less than 1g 0%
- Protein 0 g
- Iron 0.2 mg 2%
- Potassium 50 mg 2%
Whole Foods Jicama Wraps Nutrition
Serving Size: 2 wraps
- Calories 15
- Fat 0g
- Total Carbs 3g
- Fiber 2g
- Sugar 1g
- Protein 0g
- Net Carbs 1g
TRADER JOE’S JICAMA WRAPS
Trader Joe’s is one best place to get the wrap for any delicacy. Jicama wraps from Trader Joe’s are known to have that neutral and mild flavor exactly like the jicama vegetable. It is perfect and the best alternative to corn or flour tortilla, they are also easy to bend or wrap. The wraps may look really thin and light, they are flexible. Trader Joe’s jicama wraps have a crunchy texture with mild flavor that allows you to taste the flavor of the fillings you used, the taste is not harsh or overpowering. They can be used uncooked, warmed up in a microwave or heated in a pot, each method gives you the exact result – a delicious experience.
The only ingredient used in making Trader Joe’s jicama wraps is jicama, so you do not have to worry about other additives that may not be good for your body. This makes it easier and good for keto dieters. The wraps are ideal and versatile that they can be used for any kind of meal without restrictions. If you are he type that loves playing with food ingredients and recipes, jicama wraps can be your favorite because you can load any kind of food including all types of protein depending on your diet mood.
HOW MUCH DO TRADER JOE’S JICAMA WRAPS COST
A pack of Trader Joe’s jicama wrap has 12 wraps and cost about $3.99, we can say that a wrap is just 33¢. For caterer and people in food business z this is better than buying cheese wraps that cost around $5-$6 and only have 4 wraps per package. The recommended serving on the package is two wraps at a time. So, you can use a pack for six times and if you use 3 wraps per serving, a pack will last you for four times.
Kroger Jicama Wraps
Kroger is one place to get jicama wraps, the only ingredient is jicama. Kroger jicama wraps does not have any soybean in it including derivatives. It is free from milk and milk products even pecan nuts. These makes it free of allergies and good for everyone including vegan.
Whole Foods Jicama Wraps
Whole Foods jicama wraps pride themselves in the fact that they are super flexible and cannot break while being folded, rolled up or even heated. There has been no report of the wraps breaking or spilling out fillings which make them the best alternative to corn or flour tortilla. The price for a pack of the wrap is $3.99 and there are 12 wraps in each pack.
When heated, the jicama wraps gives a sweet and salty flavor. While heating them up, you may notice that the wraps will shrink down especially if you leave them in the skillet longer than they should stay. This is not a concern because it is just the wraps losing their water content so as to give you a very crunchy texture.
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN TRADER JOE’S AND WHOLE FOODS JICAMA WRAPS
These two brands are mostly loved by people because of their texture and taste. There are similarities between both brands.
- They are both made with only jicama.
- They come in a pack with 12 wraps. The normal serving on each package is 2 which makes it 6 servings for a pack.
- Their nutritional value are the same with just 1 gram of calories.
- Both have a price of $3.99.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TRADER JOE’S AND WHOLE FOODS JICAMA WRAPS
It is sometimes difficult to differentiate both wraps if their packages are not present. However, there is just one thing you can use to differentiate both. Whole Foods jicama wraps are very slightly thinner than Trader Joe’s’s. Apart from the thinness, you may not be able to differentiate them.
JICAMA WRAPS NEAR ME
Getting a jicama wrap is very easy because most online stores sell them. You can also get them in grocery stores, they are most likely to be seen in the food section. Note their prices may slightly differ.
Online stores you can get jicama wraps are:
- Amazon
- Whole Foods Market
- Instacart
- H.E.B
- Melissa’s
- Ubuy
HOW TO USE JICAMA WRAPS
You can use the wraps raw but the best way to use them is by cooking them. You can follow the steps below.
- Heat a saute pan or a skillet over high heat
- Carefully place the wraps on the pan, you do not have to add oil. For few seconds, they will start to cook and steam
- Flip to the other side using a tong or spatula every 30 seconds. Doing this will make both sides to cook well. You will notice that they are shrinking slightly, this makes them tender and easy to be rolled.
- Cook for 90 seconds and add fillings of your choice.
- Bring down from heat and roll before you serve.
CONCLUSION
Jicama wraps are good substitute to corn or flour tortilla especially for people with allergies as they are made only with the root vegetable. The wraps are so versatile that they easily blend with any toppings it fillings ranging from vegetables, protein, fruits and anything. The taste and flavor makes it delicious to be eaten whether raw, cooked or without topping.
You can easily get the wraps from online stores and offline grocery store around you. Be sure to check the expiry date and if the wraps are slimy, it may be expired or bad. Get yourself a pack of jicama wraps and make your favorite meal.