When searching for information on lima beans, you will likely come across many resources that reference butter beans. In an age-old debate, many people claim that butter beans and lima beans are different, while others swear they're the same thing. So, what's the verdict? The truth is that butter beans and lima beans are two different names for the same legume. This name confusion has caused many people to steer clear of these beans altogether, fearing they'll use the wrong one. However, if you're ready to begin using lima beans in your recipes, and want to be prepared the next time someone asks you the difference between lima beans and butter beans, then you're in the right spot. This article will discuss how these two names came about and how you can refer to this legume moving forward.
Butter Beans
Wondering where the name butter beans came from? Lima beans are often referred to as butter beans due to their sweet, buttery taste. However, it was geography that named them as such. These cream-colored beans are referred to as butter beans in the sSouthern United States and the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, the rest of the world refers to them as lima beans. Like the name butter beans, there is also a reason behind the term lima beans, as they are named after the city where they originatedLima, Peru.
Other Names for Lima Beans
While butter beans and lima beans are the two most common names for this legume, they are not the only ones. Depending on the region where you purchase or enjoy lima beans, they may also be referred to as Madagascar beans, wax beans, or chad beans. There is also a variety of lima beans that features purple speckles, called calico beans. In addition, small lima beans have their own nicknames and are often referred to as baby limas, butter peas, or sieva beans.
When to Call Lima Beans Butter Beans
Though you can use the two names interchangeably, the distinction in the varieties of lima beans is crucial in the culinary world. That being so, the term lima beans is typically used to refer to the small green variety of these beans. On the other hand, the large, white and slightly creamy beans are often labeled butter beans.
Lima Bean History
Lima beans have been cultivated for nearly 9,000 years. First originating in Peru, lima beans receive their name from the ancient Greeks, who also named Peru's capital Lima. These beans became a staple during the Incan Empire of the Andes region and were enjoyed alongside other nutrient-rich ingredients like quinoa and potatoes.
Lima Bean Traits
While you may not want to take sides on whether these beans should be called butter beans or lima beans, it is crucial to know the specific traits to look for when making your selection.
Taste
A lima bean's taste will vary depending on which variety you choose. Larger lima beans often referred to as butter beans, tend to have a sweet buttery flavor and creamy texture. Large lima beans also tend to maintain their shape better when cooking, which makes them an excellent ingredient for soups, stews, casseroles and salads.If you are searching for a bean with a more velvety texture and a vegetal-like flavor, then baby limas are the better choice. Baby limas refer to a variety of lima beans rather than the actual age of the lima bean. Also, because they are much smaller, baby limas may disintegrate when cooked too long. That being so, while they're great for making succotash, they are not the ideal ingredient for stews or casseroles.
Variety
If you choose to grow lima beans at home, you will want to look at the different varieties. Lima beans grow on both bushes and vines, and you'll want to ensure that you have enough space for the type you choose before planting. Vine varieties of limas can grow to be about 10 feet tall and require substantial support. Bush limas typically don't need support and can be grown in containers. That said, novice gardeners and those with limited space often choose the bush variety.
Uses
Lima beans offer a range of popular cooking applications. When cooked, large lima beans become creamy and thick and make an excellent ingredient in soups, casseroles and stews. Lima beans can also be enjoyed as a side dish for meats like steak, chicken and pork. One of the most popular ways to use lima beans is to create succotash. A delicious succotash recipe like this Summer Quinoa Succotash Salad combines several tasty vegetables to create a fantastic meal that's loaded with nutritional benefits.
Lima Bean Nutrition
Lima beans are great for you, and adding them to your meals can offer many health benefits. Lima beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber and iron, and like many other shelling beans, they contain a significant amount of soluble fiber. Our Bob's Red Mill Lima Beans also offer 9 grams of protein per serving, which makes them an excellent plant-based protein source for individuals following vegan and vegetarian diets. When combined with other whole grains like brown rice and quinoa, lima beans provide a complete protein source similar to meat, without the calories or fat.
Lima Bean Recipes
If you've enjoyed what you've read about lima beans so far and want to begin incorporating them into your dishes, we have the perfect place to start. The lima bean recipes below are not only delicious, but they're simple to make and overflowing with nutritional value.
Ensalada De Quinoa
A fun twist on a traditional Peruvian dish, this Ensalada De Quinoa is great-tasting and beautiful. Filled with dark red quinoa, bright yellow corn and green lima beans, it's a colorful plate that will catch everyone's attention.
Summer Quinoa Succotash Salad
This Summer Quinoa Succotash Salad is a traditional American side dish loaded with whole food ingredients like fresh corn and lima beans. A great source of protein and fiber, make this salad for a fun spin on family meal time, or bring it with you to your next gathering. No matter where you enjoy this meal, it's sure to be a hit.
Cool Lima Beans and Couscous Salad
By now you probably realized that lima beans taste great in chilled salad recipes. Because their shape holds up well when cooked, you can add them to any chilled dish without worrying about them becoming a mushy mess. This veggie-packed Cool Lima Beans and Couscous Salad is the ideal appetizer to bring to your next potluck or picnic. To create this salad, golden couscous is combined with green bell peppers and baby lima beans and then topped with a cumin-scented lemon sherry dressing. Just one bite of this dish is sure to have everyone talking!
Where to Buy Lima Beans
Lima beans are popular beans found in almost all grocery stores and supermarkets in the pantry aisle. Lima beans are also available in canned and frozen varieties.Fresh lima beans are much harder to come by as they are only available in the late summer to the early fall season. If you are on the hunt for fresh lima beans, we suggest searching for them at your local farmer's market during this time. Fresh lima beans may be sold pre-shelled or inside green fuzzy pods, which should be removed before cooking.
Lima Bean Precautions
When cooking with any lima bean variety, it's important to note that raw lima beans contain linamarina compound that releases hydrogen cyanide. Though most lima beans grown in the United States are regulated to ensure that they have only trace amounts, lima beans should never be eaten raw. Instead, before cooking with lima beans, make sure that you boil them to remove any amount of cyanide left over.Now that you know the most significant difference between butter beans vs. lima beans is where they are eaten, it's time to decide how you'd like to enjoy this tasty legume. Whether you're partial to the name butter beans or adamant about calling lima beans by their Peruvian-inspired name, The taste will be the same. Use large lima beans to create a comforting soup or stew, or add chilled baby limas to a fresh salad. No matter what you choose to make with this legume, we're confident that you will love the outcome. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, have a healthy and happy day!Want to learn more about lima beans and how to cook with them? Head to the article: How to Cook Lima Beans for step-by-step instructions.Do you enjoy cooking with lima beans? We'd love to hear about the tasty recipes you create with this legume. Share your favorite with us in the comments below.