Ice Cream Bean (Inga jinicuil)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Jinucuil or Ice Cream Bean, otherwise known as Inga jinicuil, is a tropical evergreen tree with a spreading crown, bright green leaves, creamy white flowers in clusters, and pod-type fruits. It is very fast-growing and widely planted in Central America as shade tree in coffee plantations. The fruit pulp is creamy white in color and slightly sweet in flavor. The seeds can also be eaten when cooked.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet, creamy, white, high protein pulp surrounding the brown seeds. — Inside the seedpod lies a slightly sweet, creamy, white, high protein pulp surrounding the brown seeds.; This pulp has a flavour likened to vanilla ice cream and is considered a delicacy by many, especially children.; The seedpod is about 20cm long and 5cm wide.; Traditionally eaten with Phaseolus beans and Chenopodiium leaves.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist lowland slopes. (Zone 10)