Snow Fruit in Bedugul

In the highlands of north-central Bali, specifically in Bedugul Tabanan, 60 km from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport or about 70 km from Lovina, a unique fruit grows at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level. Its skin is plain and lacks striking color. However, when cut, the fruit is soft and white, with a creamy, foam-like texture and a natural sweetness similar to vanilla. There's no need to freeze or add sugar; the sensation is like eating ice cream. Many tourists are surprised when they first taste it at Candi Kuning Market and immediately fall in love. What kind of fruit is this?

Successfully cultivated until now
Snow fruits was introduced to Bedugul in the 1980s and 1990s as a trial plant for the Research Center. Adapted to the volcanic soil and cool air of 15-20°C, the tree grew quickly and bore fruit 3-4 years later. Its sweet, creamy flavor quickly made it popular with locals. In the 2000s and 2010s, snow fruits began to gain popularity as tourists flocked to Candi Kuning Market, and farmers began to cultivate superior seeds using traditional methods. Since 2010, snow fruits has officially become a Bedugul icon with the emergence of agrotourism gardens and farmer group branding. Demand is high from tourists and cafes, but expansion is limited due to the limited cool soil in Bedugul.
The arrival of snow fruits  has transformed modern-day Bedugul agriculture. Farmers have a new, more stable source of income, as snow fruits are priced high and are considered "savings" compared to volatile vegetables or strawberries. The emergence of agrotourism gardens has also enabled farmers to sell more than just fruit, but also experiences to tourists.

Benefits for the body
Although it tastes like dessert, this snow fruit is healthy: High fiber: Good for digestion, makes you feel full longer. Vegetable protein: The flesh of the fruit contains protein, which is rare in other fruits. That's why it's called "ice cream bean" - filling. Vitamin C & antioxidants: Helps the immune system + fights free radicals. Natural sugar + low glycemic index: Sweet but doesn't make blood sugar rise quickly like real ice cream. Suitable for those on a diet. Calcium & iron: Helps bones & prevents anemia.

Why is it expensive, even more expensive than Bedugul avocado & strawberries?
Snow fruit is more expensive than avocados and strawberries from Bedugul At a price of Rp100,000/kg, it is far above avocados at Rp15,000/kg and strawberries at Rp30,000-50,000/kg. because the Inga edulis tree only bears fruit abundantly after 3-4 years and is only harvested once a year, with fruit that rots quickly. This fruit requires a special climate of 1000-1500 meters above sea level, volcanic soil, and cool temperatures to produce its sweet-creamy flavor. In the lowlands, the fruit becomes thin and less sweet, making "authentic Bedugul snow fruit" relatively rare.

The arrival of snow cones in Bedugul has breathed new life into Balinese tourism. They invite tourists to venture beyond the shoreline, exploring the cool highlands to discover lesser-known local stories. From there, the local economy is thriving farmers smile, vendors at Candi Kuning Market bustle, and Bali's reputation is heard not only for its seas but also for the richness of its land. This single fruit proves that preserving nature means opening avenues for prosperity and expanding Bali's profile globally.