Which parts of the jicama plant must be strictly avoided due to containing natural toxins?
Answer
Leaves, stems, and seed pods
A critical safety precaution when handling jicama is recognizing that only the mature, peeled, tuberous root is safe for human consumption. The leaves, stems, and seed pods of the jicama plant harbor natural toxins that are harmful if ingested by people. Furthermore, care must be taken to completely remove the exterior skin, the papery, brownish peel, as compounds residing in or directly beneath this layer may also present risks. Therefore, preparation demands diligence, ensuring that only the specifically designated edible portion of the plant makes it into the meal, similar to the careful handling required for raw potatoes.
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