Ice Cream Bean Live Plant (Inga vera)

Ice Cream Bean (Inga vera): Nature’s Vanilla Delight for Your Garden

Veliyath Gardens presents a tropical wonder that feels straight out of a dream — Ice Cream Bean, also known by its botanical name Inga vera. This exquisite fruit tree, native to the lush landscapes of Central and South America, brings not only beauty but also flavour, fertility, and function to your garden. With its growing popularity, availability is limited — and fruit lovers are keen to own this rare, sweet treasure.

 Botanical & Local Identity

• Scientific Name: Inga vera

• Common Names: Ice Cream Bean, Guama, Guaba (in parts of Peru and Colombia)

• Family: Fabaceae

This fast-growing tropical tree can reach impressive heights of 20–30 meters in its natural habitat, though it stays much smaller in managed gardens. Its lush green canopy and feathery leaves make it a stunning addition to tropical landscapes.

 The Taste Experience

• Pulp Flavor: Like vanilla ice cream — creamy, soft, mildly sweet

• Texture: Cottony and fluffy, surrounding large seeds

• Seed Taste: Earthy and nutty (must be cooked)

Some varieties of Inga vera even carry subtle hints of cinnamon or spice, making each bite uniquely delightful. It’s a natural dessert, guilt-free and nourishing.

 Cultural & Traditional Relevance

• In Colombia and Brazil, Ice Cream Bean is a common treat sold in local markets.

• Indigenous communities use it not only as a snack but also as an offering during seasonal rituals and family gatherings.

• Its name reflects joy — often linked with children’s delight in pulling open the pods and enjoying the sweet fluff inside.

 Health Benefits & Nutritional Goodness

• Rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber

• Naturally low in calories

• Helps in aiding digestion

• The cooked seeds offer plant-based protein

Its pulp has been traditionally valued for its cooling effect on the body, making it an excellent natural refreshment in hot climates.

 Soil Enricher & Eco-Helper

• Nitrogen-fixing tree that improves soil fertility

• Used in agroforestry systems for shade, erosion control, and reforestation

• Attracts bees and butterflies with its beautiful flowers

Adding Ice Cream Bean to your garden isn’t just a visual or culinary delight — it’s an act of ecological harmony.

 Cultivation & Care Tips

• Soil: Thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

• Watering: Regular watering, especially in the early years

• Growth: Fast-growing, adaptable to pruning

• Maintenance: Moderate – benefits from annual trimming and mulching

The tree is ideal for tropical and subtropical climates and responds well to organic compost and minimal chemical interference.

 Culinary Use & Lifestyle Integration

• Enjoyed fresh as a snack straight from the pod

• Cooked seeds can be added to soups or mashed like legumes

• Great addition to children’s diets as a natural, no-sugar sweet

• Serve chilled pulp with other fruits for a tropical fruit platter

This is a fruit that blends seamlessly into a healthy lifestyle, encouraging families to replace processed sweets with what nature offers in its purest form.

 Preservation & Post-Harvest

• The fresh pulp is best consumed immediately after harvesting

• Seeds should be boiled and consumed the same day or dried and stored

• Pods should be kept cool and dry if storing for a short duration

Due to its short shelf life, growing this fruit at home ensures access to the freshest and most nutritious experience.

 A Living Encyclopedia at Veliyath Gardens

Veliyath Gardens takes pride in being more than just a plant nursery — it’s a growing encyclopedia of the rarest and most precious fruit plants from across the globe. The Ice Cream Bean, with its creamy sweetness and ecological charm, is a glowing example of our effort to introduce extraordinary nature to your own backyard. Our initiative brings these rare species into the spotlight for the very first time in this region.

Limited Availability Due to High Demand

Owing to its exotic appeal and ecological benefits, Inga vera is in high demand among tropical fruit lovers and eco-conscious growers. Stocks at Veliyath Gardens are limited and often sell out quickly. We recommend early bookings for serious enthusiasts who want to secure this plant for their garden.

Add the Vanilla of the Tropics to Your Life

There are few fruits that offer such a pleasurable taste, sustainable benefits, and cultural depth as the Ice Cream Bean. Whether you're a passionate grower, a culinary experimenter, or a wellness seeker, this plant has something enriching for everyone. Bring home the sweetness of the tropics — only from Veliyath Gardens.