The ice cream bean is an exotic tropical fruit that is gaining popularity for its incredibly unique taste and texture. As more people discover this rare treat, the most common question is – where can I get ice cream bean fruit? In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about finding, buying, and enjoying ice cream beans.
What is Ice Cream Bean Fruit?
The ice cream bean goes by many names – its scientific name is Inga Edulis, but it’s also known as guama, guaba, komo, or monkeys eating apple. This fruit is native to South and Central America, grows on a tree in pod-like structures, and has a taste and texture unlike any other fruit you’ve tried.
When ripe, the flesh is a creamy white color and has a mild, sweet flavor somewhat similar to vanilla ice cream But the star of the show is the texture – pop one in your mouth and the flesh takes on an airy, cotton-candy like consistency that melts in your mouth. It’s a uniquely fun sensory experience!
Where Does Ice Cream Bean Fruit Grow?
In the wild, ice cream bean trees grow in tropical climates like the Amazon rainforest But you can also find cultivated trees in parts of Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and even Florida Commercial production is still small-scale, so fresh ice cream beans are not as widely available as other tropical fruits.
When is Ice Cream Bean Fruit in Season?
Like most tropical fruits, ice cream bean has a relatively short harvest season. In regions like South Florida, the prime season runs from March to June. Areas closer to the equator often have a longer season from February through August. Due to its short harvest time, ice cream beans are considered a seasonal delicacy.
Where Can I Buy Ice Cream Beans?
Right now, ice cream beans are still a rare specialty item. Here are some of the best places to look:
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Specialty Produce Markets – In tropical and subtropical regions like Florida and Hawaii, specialty fruit stands and health food stores may carry fresh ice cream beans when in season.
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Online Stores – A few online fruit purveyors sell ice cream beans when available. Miami Fruit is a good option that ships fresh and frozen ice cream beans to most of the US.
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Local Farmers Markets – Check farmers markets in south Florida and you might get lucky finding a local grower. However, supply is extremely limited.
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Ethnic Grocery Stores – Markets specializing in Latin American foods sometimes have imported canned or frozen ice cream beans.
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Direct from Growers – Your best source is to visit a farm such as Pine Island Fruits that grows ice cream beans in Florida. Pick fully ripe beans right off the tree!
Due to small harvests, ice cream beans are not readily available in regular supermarkets. Be prepared to search high and low during its short season to get your hands on some, making it feel like more of a treasure hunt.
How Much Do Ice Cream Beans Cost?
Since it is still a novelty fruit with low supply, fresh ice cream beans are one of the more expensive exotic fruits, generally ranging from $2 to $7 per pound. But a little goes a long way – one or two raw beans can provide a satisfyingly unique tasting experience.
For the adventurous exotic fruit lover, the joy of tasting a rare ice cream bean is worth the effort and cost of tracking some down. We recommend calling ahead to confirm availability and pricing with any potential source.
How to Eat Ice Cream Beans
This delicious fruit is a ready-to-eat snack straight from the tree. Simply rinse and enjoy!
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Eat raw and fresh – Pop the raw bean right into your mouth. Let the creamy flesh melt over your tongue as you gently bite into the seed inside.
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Add to fruit salads – Mix diced ice cream beans into fruit salads for a fun new texture.
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Blend into smoothies – Blend ice cream bean flesh and seeds into smoothies. The seeds add thickness.
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Use as ice cream topping – Scoop flesh into bowls and top with syrups for a healthy dessert!
The flesh will oxidize and turn brown quickly after cutting, so eat immediately after preparing. For a long lasting treat, store intact beans in the fridge for 2-3 weeks or freeze for 6 months.
Enjoy This Unique Treat!
Fun Fact: Dive into the World of Muscadine Grapes
Indigenous to the southeastern United States, Muscadine Grapes offer a legacy of taste and health. At iHeartFruitBox, we proudly bring you these seeded alkaline treasures, directly sourced from sustainable orchards. Their unique flavor and alkaline properties set them apart.
There is a deep red/light green color to muscadines, and their skin is thick and crunchy. This skin protects the juicy, seed-rich pulp inside. These grapes are perfect for direct consumption, making juice, crafting jellies, and culinary experiments. The seeds are edible.
Muscadines are a favorite among health enthusiasts due to their antioxidants and resveratrol content. Their natural alkaline nature supports balanced body pH and overall well-being.
Due to seasonality and high demand, pre-ordering is recommended to secure your supply. The taste is worth the wait.
- Sampler Box contains approximately 2 pints
- Small Box contains approximately 4 pints
- Large Box contains approximately 8 pints
- Upon ordering, monitor delivery dates for optimal freshness.
- Orders are ready to ship at the beginning of the week after they are placed. PLEASE NOTE, THEY DON’T SHIP IMMEDIATELY UPON ORDER.
Need more information? Check out our Shipping Guide
Ice Cream Bean Pro Tips
Ice Cream Bean pods are typically picked ripe and may further ripen during transit. The pods will feel a little softer and the pulp inside will be soft and fluffy when they’re ready to eat. To enjoy, simply break open the pod, remove the seeds, and savor the sweet, vanilla-flavored pulp. Discard the seeds as they are not edible.
Pro Tip: For faster ripening, place Ice Cream Bean pods in a warm area. To slow ripening, store them in a cooler place. Look for pods with slightly softened texture and soft, fluffy pulp for optimal flavor. Store the fruit in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
Everything You need to Know | Ice Cream Bean Tree
FAQ
Where is ice cream bean found?
Can ice cream beans grow in Florida?
Is ice cream bean fruit healthy?
What flavor is ice cream bean fruit?
What is an ice cream bean tree?
The Ice Cream Bean tree, scientifically known as Inga edulis, is a fast-growing tropical tree that produces a unique and delicious fruit. Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, the tree is cherished for its large, flat, and elongated seed pods, which contain creamy, sweet, and cotton-like pulp surrounding the seeds.
What is an ice cream bean?
The ice cream bean, also known as Inga edulis, is a delicious tropical leguminous tree that produces large, flat, woody pods filled with soft, sweet, cottony pulp. This unique fruit gets its name from its flavor, which is said to resemble that of vanilla-flavored ice cream.
Are ice cream bean trees reusable?
Trees are shipped in 3-inch reusable plastic pots and approximately 4 to 8 inches tall. They are seedlings. The Ice Cream Bean tree, scientifically known as Inga edulis, is a fast growing tropical tree that produces a unique and delicious fruit.
Where is ice cream bean grown?
Our Ice Cream Bean is grown on our small farm in South Florida! Flavor Profile: Ice Cream Bean is known for its cotton candy-like texture and subtle sweet flavor. It almost melts in your mouth when you suck on it. How To Eat: Ready to eat when picked.