The Natural Ice Cream in Bali's Highlands

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. But inside lies a soft, white flesh with a naturally sweet and creamy flavor that many compare to vanilla ice cream 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?

What Does Snow Fruit Taste Like?
Known scientifically as Inga edulis and commonly called the Ice Cream Bean, Snow Fruit has a unique texture that resembles cotton candy or marshmallow. Its flavor is mildly sweet, with notes of vanilla and fresh cream. The edible white pulp melts gently in the mouth, creating a dessert-like experience straight from nature.

How Snow Fruit Became Part of Bedugul

Few people realize that Snow Fruit is not originally from Bali, is a plant native to the Amazon rainforest region of South America and Central America. The fruit was first introduced to Bedugul in the late 1980s as part of an agricultural trial. Benefiting from the area’s cool mountain climate and rich volcanic soil, the trees flourished and gradually became one of Bedugul’s most distinctive local fruits. The tree grew quickly and bore fruit 3-4 years later Its harvest season is seasonal and it is generally only available from December to January. 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. 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.

Health Benefits of Snow Fruit

Based on research, Snow Fruit / Inga edulis is healthy even though it tastes like dessert:
Food composition data of Inga edulis shows the fruit flesh has 1.2g fiber/100g + the seeds have 10.7g protein/100g, so it keeps you full longer & is good for digestion. A phytochemical journal on 3 Inga species reports the leaves have antioxidant ORAC 11.16 mmol TE/g to fight free radicals. A 1985 PubMed study also proved fiber makes blood sugar response flatter, so its natural sweetness doesn’t spike blood sugar fast. Plus it has vitamin C, calcium & iron for immunity + bones. Only 60 kcal per 100g.

Why is it expensive, even more expensive than Bedugul avocado & strawberries?
 

Reaching prices of up to IDR 100,000 per kilogram, Snow Fruit has earned its reputation as one of Bedugul’s premium fruits. Its exclusivity comes from its long growing period, limited production, and delicate freshness that lasts only a short time after harvest making every bite a rare experience from Bali’s cool highlands. Meanwhile, it is far above avocados at Rp15,000/kg and strawberries at Rp30,000-50,000/kg. Several factors contribute to its premium price. Snow Fruit trees typically require three to four years before producing abundant harvests and generally fruit only once per year. The fruit also has a relatively short shelf life and must be consumed soon after harvesting.

Most importantly, Snow Fruit thrives only in specific environmental conditions. The cool temperatures, volcanic soil, and elevation of 1,000–1,500 meters above sea level found in Bedugul help create its distinctive sweet and creamy flavor. Outside these conditions, the fruit often develops a less desirable texture and taste, making authentic Bedugul Snow Fruit relatively rare.

A Unique Reason to Visit Bedugul

For travelers, Snow Fruit offers an opportunity to discover a different side of Bali beyond its famous beaches. It encourages visitors to explore the island's highlands, connect with local farming communities, and experience flavors that cannot easily be found elsewhere. This single fruit proves that preserving nature means opening avenues for prosperity and expanding Bali's profile globally.