Food guide
Jicama
Jicama is a crunchy, refreshing root vegetable that offers a unique texture for babies exploring new sensations. It is highly versatile and mild, making it a great addition to a varied weaning diet.
How to serve at this age
6-9 months: Steam or boil sticks of jicama until they are soft enough to squish between your thumb and finger. 9-12 months: Serve soft-cooked cubes that baby can easily pick up with their fingers. 12+ months: You can transition to thinly sliced raw jicama if the child has mastered chewing, though cooked is still safer.
Nutrition
Jicama is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is helpful for maintaining regular digestion in babies. It also contains significant amounts of vitamin C, which is essential for a robust immune system and healthy skin.
A note from the editors
Try steaming jicama sticks with a bit of cinnamon for a naturally sweet, aromatic treat that is easy to hold.
Good to know
Raw jicama is very hard and presents a high choking risk; it must be cooked until soft for babies under 12 months. Ensure all skin is peeled off before preparation, as it is inedible.