Jicama is from Central America and Mexico where it is a staple. Like potatoes, jicama grows underground as a tuber. Covered with a thin brown skin, it has a short root attached. Inside, you'll find white flesh that looks like an apple or raw potato.
Raw jicama is sweet, juicy, and crisp, perfect as a snack vegetable. Cooked lightly it becomes milder but retains its crispness, like a water chestnut. Refrigerate in a plastic bag up to 2 weeks.
Jicama can be found in many well stocked grocery stores as well as Mexican and Asian markets.