Guama Ice Cream Bean (Inga laurina)

Guama Ice Cream Bean (Inga laurina): A Delightful Exotic Addition to Your Garden

An Exquisite Tropical Treasure with a Sweet, Vanilla-Like Taste

Guama Ice Cream Bean, scientifically known as Inga laurina, is an evergreen tropical tree cherished for its unique fruit, rapid growth, and multiple benefits. Native to Central and South America, this tree is widely cultivated in Brazil, Colombia, and the Caribbean. The fruit’s sweet, cottony pulp, often compared to vanilla-flavored ice cream, makes it a favorite among fruit enthusiasts. Aside from its delicious taste, the tree plays an essential role in agroforestry, enhancing soil fertility and providing shade for crops like coffee and cocoa.

Common and Local Names Across the Globe

The Guama Ice Cream Bean is known by different names in various regions:

• Guama (Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic)

• Ice Cream Bean (English-speaking countries)

• Pacay (Peru)

• Ingá de Metro (Brazil)

• Guamo (Colombia and Venezuela)

A Nutritious Superfruit Packed with Benefits

Guama Ice Cream Bean is more than just a tasty treat—it’s a powerhouse of essential nutrients.

• Rich in Antioxidants: Helps combat oxidative stress and supports overall health.

• Dietary Fiber: Aids digestion and promotes gut health.

• Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and enhances skin health.

• Plant-based Protein: Supports muscle repair and general well-being.

Regular consumption of Guama fruit is believed to improve digestion, enhance energy levels, and provide natural hydration due to its high water content.

Culinary Delights: A Natural Dessert with a Touch of Vanilla

The soft, airy pulp of the Ice Cream Bean is widely enjoyed fresh, straight from the pod. Its naturally sweet, vanilla-like essence makes it a fantastic ingredient in:

• Smoothies and fruit salads

• Desserts and sweet sauces

• Ice creams and sherbets

• Fermented beverages in certain indigenous cultures

Cultivation and Growth: A Low-Maintenance Wonder

The Guama Ice Cream Bean tree is relatively easy to grow, making it an excellent choice for home gardens and plantations.

• Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with warm temperatures.

• Soil: Prefers well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter.

• Watering: Requires moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established.

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

• Growth Rate: Fast-growing and reaches fruit-bearing maturity within 2 to 3 years.

With proper pruning, the tree can be maintained at a manageable height, making harvesting easier.

Preservation and Storage

Fresh Guama Ice Cream Beans are best consumed immediately, but they can also be stored for later use:

• The pods remain fresh for a few days at room temperature.

• The pulp can be refrigerated for up to a week.

• To preserve longer, the pulp can be frozen or dehydrated for use in future recipes.

Traditional and Cultural Significance

For centuries, indigenous communities across South America have revered the Guama tree for its fruit and environmental benefits. The tree is often planted near homes and farms for shade, while the nitrogen-fixing roots improve soil quality. In many cultures, Guama fruit is shared among families as a symbol of abundance and community bonding.

Why You Should Add Guama Ice Cream Bean to Your Garden

The Guama Ice Cream Bean is a must-have for anyone looking to grow a unique, fast-growing fruit tree with exceptional taste and health benefits. Whether for its delectable vanilla-like pulp, environmental advantages, or ornamental beauty, this tree is a perfect addition to any fruit garden.

At Veliyath Gardens, we offer premium-quality Guama Ice Cream Bean plants, ready to bring an exotic touch to your home or orchard. Enhance your garden with this delightful fruit tree and experience nature’s own version of ice cream!

Bring home the taste of the tropics—order your Guama Ice Cream Bean plant today!