The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a freeze-dried fruit of Parkia, preferably Parkia speciosa comprising the steps of a) freezing a fruit, preferably beans from Parkia to -20° C. or below to obtain a frozen fruit and b) subsequently freeze-drying the frozen fruit by reducing the pressure surrounding the said frozen fruit to allow water and volatiles to sublimate and/or evaporate from the frozen fruit to obtain the freeze-dried fruit of Parkia, wherein the temperature of the fruit during freeze-drying is at most 0° C., wherein the temperature of the fruit from the beginning of step a) until the end of step b) does not exceed 30° C. The invention also relates to the products obtained with the process, including their use as a medicament in the treatment, co-treatment and/or prevention of diabetes mellitus and/or for weight regulation.
