The ice cream bean is an exotic tropical fruit that is gaining popularity around the world for its delicious sweet flavor and unique texture. Native to the Amazon rainforest, this curious bean pod encases a soft, cotton-like creamy pulp that truly resembles the flavor of vanilla ice cream.
In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about the ice cream bean – what it is, where to find it, and most importantly, how to eat ice cream bean to fully enjoy its tasty pulp Let’s dive in!
What is Ice Cream Bean?
The ice cream bean goes by the botanical name Inga edulis and is a legume that grows on large trees in the rainforests of South America. The name comes from the texture and taste of the pulp inside the bean pods which mimics the sweet creaminess of ice cream.
These beans grow in long, wide, green pods up to a foot long that hang off the branches. Inside the tough outer pod is a cotton-soft, sweet white pulp surrounding large inedible seeds. The pulp clings to the seed cavity walls.
Raw the pulp tastes like vanilla ice cream with a hint of lemon tang. When ripe the pods split open to reveal the edible inner flesh. Ice cream bean has a rich, creamy mouthfeel and sweet flavor that makes it a delicious tropical treat.
Where to Find Ice Cream Bean
Since ice cream bean is native to South American rainforests, that is still the best place to find fresh pods growing on trees. However, you may also be able to source them from specialty grocery stores in warmer climates like Florida and Hawaii.
Dried ice cream bean pulp can also sometimes be found in the bulk bins of health food stores. And ice cream bean products like syrups, frozen pulp, or packaged snacks can be purchased online.
So while enjoying the beans straight from the pod in the Amazon would be ideal, there are still ways to get your hands on ice cream beans and their yummy pulp outside of the rainforest. Keep an eye out wherever exotic fruits are sold.
How to Open and Eat Ice Cream Beans
The best part about ice cream beans is finally getting to dive into that luscious, ice-cream-like pulp. But first you have to open the pod and remove the pulp properly. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Cut the Pod Open
Ice cream bean pods are large and woody. Use a sharp knife to slice down the length of the pod, being careful not to cut too deeply. You just want to penetrate the outer layer.
Step 2: Peel Open the Pod
Once slit, peel back the outer woody casing of the pod. Pull the sides apart to reveal the inner goodness.
Step 3: Scoop Out the Pulp
You should see white, fluffy cotton-ball-like pulp clinging to the interior. Gently scoop and scrape the pulp off the walls of the pod using your fingers or a spoon.
Step 4:Remove the Seeds
As you scoop out the pulp, you’ll uncover some large inedible black seeds. Pick these out and discard them.
Step 5: Enjoy the Sweet Pulp!
Now the sweet, creamy ice cream bean pulp is ready to eat! Pop it straight in your mouth for an incredible tropical treat. Let the vanilla-esque flavors melt over your tongue.
The pulp has a similar texture to lychee fruit. You can roll it into little balls before eating for a fun way to enjoy it. Ripe ice cream bean pulp is soft, fragrant, and simply delicious.
Different Ways to Eat Ice Cream Bean Pulp
While eating the pulp right out of the pod is highly satisfying, there are other creative ways to enjoy ice cream beans too:
- Blend into smoothies – Adds thick creaminess and natural sweetness
- Mix into yogurt or overnight oats
- Use as the base for sorbet, popsicles, or ice cream
- Fold into pancake batter for fluffy ice-cream pancakes
- Swirl into banana bread, muffins, or other baked goods
- Sweeten cream sauces like caramel or chocolate
- Top cakes or cupcakes with it as you would frosting
- Mix with granola for a sweet breakfast topping
- Add to fruit salads for a dose of vanilla creaminess
As you can see, ice cream bean pulp is endlessly versatile in sweet and dessert recipes. Its flavor pairs perfectly with tropical fruits, chocolate, coffee, and other sweets. Get creative with it!
Health Benefits of Ice Cream Beans
Aside from being downright delicious, ice cream beans also offer some great health benefits. Here are some of the main nutrients and compounds found in the pulp:
- Dietary fiber – Helps regularity and gut health
- Antioxidants – Reduces oxidative damage and inflammation
- Protein – Provides essential amino acids
- Vitamin C – Boosts immunity and nutrient absorption
- Potassium – Supports heart health and muscle function
- Iron – Improves blood circulation and oxygen transport
- Magnesium – Relaxes muscles and aids nerve transmission
So feel good about indulging in this sweet treat – it provides plenty of nutritious components too! Just be mindful of portion size as with any food.
Storing Ice Cream Beans
Fresh ice cream bean pods have a short shelf life of only about 3-4 days. Once picked from the tree, they should be eaten or preserved quickly.
The pulp can be scooped from the pods and frozen for 4-6 months. Some ways to extend shelf life include:
- Refrigerating pods – Helps pods last 2-3 weeks max
- Freezing pulp – Keeps up to 6 months
- Drying – Dehydrates pods or pulp into powder form
- Canning – Creates long-lasting canned pulp
- Making extracts/syrups – Concentrates flavor into liquids
Proper storage is important for maximizing ice cream bean usage. But for best flavor and texture, try to eat fresh if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ice cream bean taste like?
Ice cream beans have a luscious, creamy texture and taste like sweet vanilla ice cream. There are also hints of lemon and banana.
Can you eat the seeds?
No, the large black seeds found inside the pods are fibrous and inedible. Only eat the soft, white pulp surrounding the seeds.
Where does ice cream bean grow?
Ice cream beans grow on large trees in the Amazon rainforest in South America. The trees need a warm, humid climate.
Is the pulp high in calories?
No, the pulp is naturally low in calories for a sweet treat. Enjoy it guilt-free!
Can you be allergic to ice cream beans?
Allergies are very rare, but anyone with a legume allergy should exercise caution when first trying it.
How do you use ice cream bean pulp?
Popular uses are blending into smoothies, making ice cream, mixing into oatmeal or yogurt, and incorporating into baked goods.
Are ice cream beans safe for kids?
Yes, ice cream beans are safe for kids to eat as an occasional sweet treat. Supervise young children when opening the pods.
Discover the incredible ice cream bean for yourself and let its luscious flavors wow your tastebuds! This tropical treat is truly one of nature’s wonders.
