Where to Buy the Unique and Delicious Ice Cream Bean Fruit Pods and Trees

The Unique and Delicious Ice Cream Bean Fruit

The ice cream bean fruit, also known as Inga edulis, is a truly unique and delicious fruit that is becoming more popular and sought after. This bean-like fruit grows in pods on trees and has a sweet, cotton-like texture similar to vanilla ice cream. That's why it's nicknamed the "ice cream bean fruit." The flavor is mildly sweet and pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes. While they are exotic, ice cream bean fruits can be purchased from select online stores and at some local nurseries or farmers markets if you know where to look.

What is the Ice Cream Bean Fruit?

The ice cream bean is the fruit of the Inga edulis tree which is native to the Amazon rainforest region of South America. The trees can grow quite tall, sometimes up to 100 feet. The bean pods grow directly on the trunk and main branches. Inside the pods are seeds enveloped in a sweet, white fleshy pulp that is often compared to cotton candy. When ripe, the pods will split open, revealing the edible beans inside.

These tropical fruits have a very short harvest season, usually only a couple months. Once picked, they have a short shelf life of just a few days before the pulp starts to ferment. So getting them quickly from the source is key. The raw beans have a mild, sweet vanilla-like flavor. The flesh offers notes of banana, mango, and pineapple. When cooked, they take on a fuller, custard-like flavor. The beans can be eaten raw or cooked, used in both sweet and savory preparations.

Health Benefits of Ice Cream Beans

Ice cream beans are packed with nutrients and associated with many health benefits. Some of the key vitamins, minerals, and compounds found in these fruits include:

• Vitamin C - Immune boosting antioxidant
• Magnesium - Supports nerve function and heart health
• Potassium - Helps regulate blood pressure
• Fibre - Improves digestion and heart health
• Protein - Important for building muscle and repairing cells
• Antioxidants like polyphenols - Reduce inflammation and disease risk

With their stellar nutritional profile, ice cream beans can support heart health, digestion, immunity, and more. They are low glycemic so they won't cause sharp spikes in blood sugar. Their antioxidants help fight free radical damage and inflammation in the body which can protect against chronic diseases.

Where to Buy Ice Cream Bean Fruit

Since ice cream bean trees only grow in tropical climates, the fresh fruit pods can be challenging to source in many parts of the world. However, you can purchase them from specialty online stores that focus on exotic and tropical fruits. There are also some nurseries and local markets in places like Florida and Hawaii that may carry them when in season.

Here are some of the best places to buy fresh ice cream bean pods or trees online:

• Miami Fruit - A fruit shipping company offering fresh pods overnight from Florida orchards in season
• Exotic Fruit Box - Carries fresh ice cream bean pods overnight shipped from Hawaii
• Arizona Exotic Fruits - Sells Inga edulis trees to grow the beans yourself
• California Tropical Fruit Tree Nursery - Offers ice cream bean trees for shipping

The cost for fresh pods ranges from about $3-$7 per pod depending on size, season, and source. You may be able to find better deals buying in bulk quantities. Shipping overnight helps maintain freshness. For those interested in growing their own tree, you can buy a young Inga edulis sapling for around $40-$60 depending on the size.

How to Store Ice Cream Bean Pods

To extend their short shelf life, fresh ice cream bean pods need to be handled with care. Here are some storage tips:

• Store pods in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container, unwashed
• Mist the pods daily with water to prevent drying out
• Use within 2-3 days for peak flavor and texture
• Do not wash until ready to eat to avoid premature spoilage
• Once opened, pods will start to ferment quickly so eat as soon as possible

Freezing the fresh pods is not recommended as it damages the delicate fruit and ruins the texture. Canning or cooking the pulp is the best way to preserve it for longer term storage. The raw beans can also be dried for future use.

How to Eat Ice Cream Beans

One of the best parts about ice cream beans is their versatility. Both the pod pulp and seeds can be consumed raw or cooked. Here are some delicious ways to eat this unique fruit:

• Raw pulp - Scoop directly from the pod to eat like vanilla ice cream
• Smoothies - Blend into fruit smoothies for sweetness
• Chia pudding - Mix into chia seed pudding for extra creaminess
• Nice cream - Blend into dairy-free "nice cream" recipes
• Milkshakes - Use in place of ice cream for flavorful shakes
• Custards - Mix into custard recipes like flan for richness
• Jams - Cook into sweet fruit jam spreads
• Sorbet - Puree and freeze into refreshing sorbet

The beans can also be dried and then ground into a gluten-free flour. The flour works well in baked goods to add protein and fiber. The seeds can also be roasted and brewed into a caffeine-free coffee-like drink.

Growing Ice Cream Bean Trees

While enjoying fresh ice cream bean pods may not be realistic for those outside the tropics, you can certainly grow your own tree if you live in an appropriate climate. Ice cream bean trees require humid, warm conditions with temperatures above 60°F to thrive. They can grow well in USDA zones 10-11.

Here are some tips for growing ice cream bean trees:

• Plant in well-draining, fertile soil with good sun exposure
• Space trees at least 15-20 feet apart for adequate airflow
• Water regularly to keep soil moist, but not soaked
• Fertilize with compost or organic citrus fertilizer
• Harvest pods when they turn brown and split open
• Enjoy beans immediately or process pulp for storage

From seed, the trees can take 3-4 years to begin fruiting. Grafted saplings may produce pods sooner. Besides the warm climate, ice cream bean trees require adequate water and humidity to fruit well. Proper care will lead to an abundant harvest of these deliciously unique beans!

Conclusion

The ice cream bean is an exotic tropical fruit with a flavor living up to its name. These sweet, meltable beans are worth trying at least once in your life! Sourcing the fresh pods may take a bit of searching online or at specialty markets. But the unique eating experience is well worth it. Their refreshing flavor and impressive nutrition make ice cream beans a real treat. With proper care, you can even grow your own tree in the right climate. Give this cool bean a taste to see for yourself why it’s becoming more and more popular!

FAQs

What does the ice cream bean fruit taste like?

The ice cream bean has a mild, sweet, vanilla-like flavor similar to cotton candy. The fleshy pulp has notes of banana, mango, and pineapple. When cooked, the beans develop a more custard-like flavor.

Where does the ice cream bean grow?

Ice cream bean trees are native to tropical regions of Central and South America. They grow best in humid climates with warm temperatures above 60°F like USDA zones 10-11.

Can you eat ice cream bean pods raw?

Yes, the pulp directly from the pod can be consumed raw. It has a soft, meltable texture like vanilla ice cream. The raw pulp and beans can be eaten on their own or added to smoothies, nice cream, chia pudding and more.

How do you store fresh ice cream bean pods?

To extend their short shelf life, store pods refrigerated and unwashed in a plastic bag or container. Mist them with water daily. Use within 2-3 days for best quality and flavor.

Can you grow an ice cream bean tree outside the tropics?

Unfortunately ice cream bean trees require warm, humid tropical climates to grow well and produce fruit. They will not thrive in non-tropical climates. Pods must be imported from tropical sources.