Ice-cream bean, Paterno inga
Inga paterno

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 10 m tall and spreads 6 m wide. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. These are divided twice. They have a reddish tint when young. The flowers are white. The seeds pods are 15-50 cm long. They are 4-5 cm wide.

There are 350 Inga species. Also as Mimosaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It suits seasonally dry conditions. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Belize, Central America, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico (country/location of origin), Nicaragua, North America, South America

How it is used for food

The sweet white pulp around the seeds is eaten raw. The young seeds are blanched, salted, and used in salads or desserts. They can be bottles in vinegar.

The young seeds are sold in markets.

Edible parts

Seeds, fruit

How it is grown

Plants grow easily from fresh seeds. Seeds germinate in 1-2 weeks given moisture and shade.

Its other names

Local names

Aguatope, Chalahuite, Cuil macheton, Guama, Jinicuil, Jinicuil de vaina ancha, Paterna, Paterno, Pepeto, Vainillo

Synonyms

Inga radians Pittier;