Ice-cream bean

Ice-cream bean (Inga edulis) is a tropical tree species in the family Fabaceae. It is native to South America and is known for its sweet-tasting fruit, which has a flavor reminiscent of vanilla ice cream. The tree is also known as guaba, guamo, or pacay in various regions.

Description

The ice-cream bean tree can grow up to 18 meters in height. It has pinnate leaves and small, white flowers. The fruit of the ice-cream bean tree is a long, green pod, typically 1-2 meters in length. Inside the pod are several black seeds, each surrounded by a fluffy, white pulp. This pulp is the edible part of the fruit and has a sweet, creamy flavor that has been compared to vanilla ice cream.

Cultivation

Ice-cream bean trees are typically grown in tropical regions, as they require a warm climate and plenty of rainfall. They are often used in agroforestry systems due to their ability to fix nitrogen and improve soil fertility. The trees are also grown for their fruit, which is eaten fresh or used in desserts.

Uses

In addition to being consumed as a fruit, the ice-cream bean has several other uses. The wood of the tree is used for making furniture and construction materials. The leaves and bark have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine in some cultures. The seeds are sometimes roasted and eaten, similar to peanuts.

See also

• List of culinary fruits
• List of tropical fruits