Lima Bean

What Is Lima Bean?

Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) is a dried bean variety named after Lima, the capital of Peru, known for its large, flat, kidney-shaped beans. In English it is also called "butter bean" due to its creamy texture.

Compared to other dried bean varieties, it has larger and flatter beans; when boiled, it takes on a soft, creamy, and slightly sweet texture.

Nutritional Values of Lima Bean

100 g of boiled lima bean contains approximately 115 kcal, 7.8 g plant-based protein and 7 g fiber. It is also a legume rich in iron, manganese, and folate.

What Are the Benefits of Lima Bean?

Rich in fiber and plant-based protein, lima bean is a filling and low-fat food as part of a balanced diet. Its slowly digested carbohydrate structure has traditionally made it a meal component that sustains energy for a long time.

This information is general; lima bean is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Lima Bean?

Quality lima bean should have a cream-white, smooth, and unbroken bean color.

• Beans should be uniform in size; a mix of different sizes leads to uneven cooking.
• A pale or darkened color is a sign of staleness.
• There should be no dust buildup at the bottom of the package.

How to Store Lima Bean?

Dried lima bean can be stored in a closed container in a cool, dark cupboard for up to 1 year. The boiled form stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and can be stored in the freezer for a few months.

Using Lima Bean in the Kitchen

Lima bean is boiled and stands out with its creamy texture in salads, soups, and stews; it is frequently cooked in South American and American Southern cuisine.

How Is Lima Bean Cooked?

Beans soaked overnight are drained and boiled in plenty of water over low heat for 45-60 minutes, until soft; since their skins are thin, they can fall apart if overcooked.

How Is Lima Bean Stew Made?

Boiled lima bean is cooked over low heat with onion, corn, and tomato, turning into American Southern cuisine's classic succotash recipe.

Which Recipes Use Lima Bean?

Lima bean salad, succotash stew, lima bean vegetable dish, and lima bean soup are the best-known uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between lima bean and dried kidney bean?

Lima bean has a larger, flatter, and creamier texture; it is a separate species (Phaseolus lunatus) and is botanically different from the traditional dried bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in Turkish cuisine.

Is lima bean eaten raw?

No, raw lima bean can naturally contain harmful compounds; it must always be consumed after thorough soaking and cooking.

What is lima bean good for?

It is rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and iron; it is valuable as part of a balanced diet. It is a food; it does not claim to cure any illness.

Are butter bean and lima bean the same?

Yes, in English the name "butter bean" is a common name used for lima bean because of its creamy texture; it describes the same species.

How should lima bean be cooked so it doesn't fall apart?

Avoiding boiling at very high heat and cooking over low heat helps thin-skinned lima bean maintain its shape.