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Known across continents for its whimsical pods and candy-like taste, the Ice Cream Bean Tree, also called Guama or Guaba, is more than a delightful oddity—it’s a treasure for every tropical garden. With its quick growth, sweet vanilla-scented pulp, and subtle health benefits, this fruit tree offers a one-of-a-kind experience for both the palate and the planet.
Guama – Colombia and Peru
Guaba – Ecuador and parts of Central America
Ice Cream Bean – Widely used in English-speaking regions
Its botanical names are:
Inga edulis
Inga spectabilis
Both belong to the Fabaceae family, widely known for their nitrogen-fixing properties, enriching the soil wherever they grow.
Growth Pattern: This is a fast-growing, semi-deciduous to evergreen tree that reaches up to 10–15 meters in height. It forms a moderately dense canopy, ideal for partial shade in fruit gardens.
Fruiting Time: Typically begins within three years of planting.
Flowers: Creamy white and fluffy, they attract bees and other pollinators, making it beneficial to surrounding flora.
Pods: Long, thick green pods measuring up to a foot in length, containing seeds enveloped in sweet, cotton-like pulp.
Peel back the leathery green pod and you're greeted by a soft, white pulp with the gentle sweetness of vanilla ice cream. Some fruit lovers notice a cinnamon-like undertone, making it feel like a naturally crafted dessert. The texture? Almost like fresh cotton candy that melts in the mouth—light, airy, and irresistible to both children and adults.
While Ice Cream Beans are a treat, they also carry promising health perks:
Natural Source of Antioxidants: Supports cell protection and reduces oxidative stress.
Helps in Blood Sugar Regulation: As part of the legume family, the seeds and pulp may assist in maintaining balanced glucose levels.
Cholesterol Reduction: Compounds within the pulp have been studied for their role in reducing bad cholesterol.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Traditional use of Inga species includes addressing inflammatory conditions in native communities.
Supports Digestion: The mild fiber in the pulp can support gut health.
In Amazonian regions, Ice Cream Bean pods are often shared during community gatherings, serving as a symbol of abundance and hospitality. In Peru and Ecuador, the trees are also cultivated along riverbanks to prevent soil erosion, blending ecological value with cultural importance.
Its seeds, though less consumed raw, are often cooked or roasted in rural areas—highlighting its versatility beyond just a sweet treat.
Soil Preference: Well-drained, fertile soil with adequate organic matter.
Watering: Regular watering in the initial stages, with reduced frequency as the tree matures.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Pruning: Minimal, mainly to shape the tree and manage canopy spread.
Pest Resistance: Generally hardy and not prone to major pest attacks.
Being a moderate-maintenance plant, the Ice Cream Bean is perfect for both hobby gardeners and tropical plant enthusiasts.
Garden Joy: Use the tree as a shade-giver in your tropical garden while enjoying its sweet pods seasonally.
Natural Dessert: Offer children a healthy, chemical-free alternative to ice cream.
Eco-Friendly Choice: It improves soil fertility naturally through nitrogen-fixing roots.
Conversation Starter: Its quirky name and flavor make it a memorable feature in any garden gathering.
The pods are best consumed fresh for the fullest flavor. However, the pulp can be:
Refrigerated for 1–2 days
Blended into smoothies
Frozen into sorbets
Dried slightly and added to trail mixes or desserts
The seeds, once cooked, can be eaten or ground into flour in some indigenous preparations.
The Ice Cream Bean Tree (Inga edulis) is not just a fruiting plant—it’s an experience. From its soft vanilla-cotton pulp to its role in enriching the soil, this tree brings joy, nutrition, and ecological balance.
At Veliyath Gardens, we believe in offering plants that aren’t just exotic, but meaningful and sustainable additions to your garden. If you’re looking to add charm, function, and a touch of rainforest magic, this is the plant to take home.
