Hortiforum

General Info – Bitter Bean, Petai, Twisted Cluster Bean, Stink Bean, Nitta Tree

Bitter Bean produces long, flat, bean-like pods filled with bright green seeds, similar in size to broad beans or Almonds. The possess a strong and often divisive flavour which means they are not typically used as the main ingredient. Bitter Beans feature prominently in a variety of traditional dishes across Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Burma, Singapore and Northeast India. They can be added to stir-fries, fried rice, or soups, and are also used in condiments like sambal and chutneys, such as the Eromba made by the Meitei people of Manipur, India. Additionally, they can be pickled or frozen for later use. These nutritious beans emit a distinctive smell reminiscent of shiitake mushrooms and garlic, although some people find the aroma overwhelmingly pungent and unpleasant, earning them the nickname “Stink Bean”. This strong odour can linger for hours on breath and skin, similar to the smell of garlic, and can also make urine odorous similar to the effect from consuming Asparagus. The pale green, immature pods can be enjoyed as vegetables, either raw, pickled, or fried, making them suitable for stir-frying. Bitter Beans belong to the Fabaceae family, which includes other intriguing fruits such as the sweet Ice Cream Bean and Carob, the savoury African Locust Bean, and the tangy Nam Nam and Tamarind.
Bitter Beans are native to the tropical lowland forests of Southeast Asia, where they thrive in year-round heat and humidity. As a result, they strongly prefer tropical climates, showing only marginal tolerance in subtropical regions. Like many canopy trees in the rainforest, Bitter Beans benefit from protection from full sunlight when young, thriving in partial shade or filtered light until they mature and require full sun exposure. These plants are relatively tolerant of various soil types, including waterlogged conditions, but they prefer well-drained, moist loam soil.
Bitter Bean trees can grow up to 45 metres tall, reaching the forest canopy. They have an umbrella shape and may develop buttress roots as well. Their attractive foliage resembles that of Amla and the related Tamarind, featuring alternate, compound leaves with small oblong leaflets. The trees exhibit a unique flowering habit distinct from many other fruiting members of the Fabaceae family, producing bulb-shaped clusters of tiny, creamy-white to yellow flowers. These flowers are pollinated by bats.

Plant Profile/Properties