Ice cream Beans (10x12 bag)
Item Description
The Ice Cream bean tree grows very quickly, usually fruiting within three years of germination. It typically reaches heights of 17 meters and develops a broad spreading canopy, ideal for shading other crops and landscaping. The yellow and white pompom-like flowers give way to the bean pods which ripen periodically throughout the year. Ice Cream beans can range from .3 to 2 meters long and have thick fibrous walls. The inner cottony pulp is sweet and snowy white with a flavor that is, not surprisingly, reminiscent of vanilla ice cream. The texture is that of a chewy cotton candy with a juicy finish. Large green or black seeds are imbedded in the pulp, and are inedible unless cooked. Ice cream bean tree is considered a nitrogen fixer, so you can plant the tree in soil with high nitrogen to help balance the soil. HEALTH BENEFITS The pulpy interior of the Ice Cream bean is a good source of dietary fiber, polyphenols, anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories. The seeds should not be consumed raw, but when roasted provide a rich source of protein.
- Plant Height : 2-3 feet
- Plant Weight : 5.5kg
- Plant Polybagsize : 10x12
Related Images
- Botanical Name : Inga Edulis
A long podded fruit with white creamy pulp inside
Planting Instructions
Plant the tree outdoors in full sun. The ice cream bean tree can adapt to many soil types, including acid soil, but does well in well-drained soil. Keep an area at least 3 feet from the trunk free of weeds. Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch in a circle around the tree, but keep the mulch about 6 inches away from the trunk. Apply a water-soluble fertilizer about once a month, if desired. Trees grow rapidly without fertilizer, but you can add fertilizer to further boost growth. Nitrogen application is not necessary, but trees with dropping leaves especially benefit from potassium fertilizer. Prune the tree as desired to shape the plant and control its size. Ice cream bean trees can withstand heavy pruning, which is best done in late winter or early spring. Always remove dead and diseased branches as they occur. Remove rubbing and crossing branches to maintain an open canopy with even sunlight penetration and air circulation. Harvest the bean pods in summer when fully ripe and plump. Any pods left on the ground should be picked up and used or discarded to prevent the seeds from germinating. Ice cream bean tree can become invasive because the seeds germinate easily and self sow when pods fall to the ground.
