Ice Cream Bean (Inga edulis)
$12.9
A striking tropical tree that feels like it belongs in a fairy tale.
Reaching 10–15 meters, it is famous for its massive, felt-textured pods filled with a white, fluffy pulp that tastes remarkably like vanilla cotton candy.
Beyond the 'dessert' fruit, it is a vigorous nitrogen-fixer, acting as a 'nurse tree' that improves soil for everything around it while providing a wide, leafy canopy of shade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you eat the 'bean'?
You don't actually eat the bean seeds inside unless they are cooked; you eat the white, snowy pulp surrounding them. Just crack the pod open and snack on the fluff!
Is it a good shade tree?
Excellent. It grows very fast and has broad, overlapping leaves that create a cool 'micro-climate' underneath—perfect for protecting smaller, shade-loving plants.
Can I grow it in a pot?
Only for the first year or two. This is a large, powerful tree that needs space for its root system to truly thrive and produce fruit.
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Customer Reviews (2)
4.5
Sasha M.April 17, 2026
Great for permaculture
I use this to provide shade for my coffee plants. It fixes nitrogen and the fruit is a bonus. Just be careful, it gets big very quickly.
Leo K.April 17, 2026
A kid's dream tree
My children are obsessed. They call it the 'Marshmallow Tree.' The texture is so weird but delicious. It grew 2 meters in its first year!