Edamame vs. Lima Beans

Edamame vs. Lima Beans

The similar appearance of edamame and lima beans may cause confusion when walking down grocery store aisles. Both small, round and green, edamame and lima beans look like they should be able to be used interchangeably. However, these two beans are very different. While edamame has the same green color as lima beans, it's only because edamame is actually an immature soybean. In comparison, lima beans are a completely different kind of bean. This article will discuss the unique qualities of both legumes to help you better understand their differences. Read on for a side-by-side comparison of edamame vs. lima beans.

Edamame

EdamameJapanese for "beans on a branch"is a soybean that is picked when it's still young and green. Harvesting edamame young ensures that it remains soft and edible rather than hard and dry like mature soybeans. Typically found in East Asian cuisine, edamame is sold in a pod and hulled. And, while the pod itself is not edible, it does add flavor, ultimately creating a pretty tasty snack. Hulled edamame can be added to rice dishes, grain bowls and salad. Edamame served in its pod, is a popular appetizer at many Japanese food restaurants and is commonly accompanied by soy sauce. It's also a healthy plant-based snack for anyone looking to increase their nutrient intake and is favored by vegans and vegetarians. edamame

The Taste of Edamame

Mature soybeans are best known for making tofuan extremely mild-flavored ingredient that can be added to several recipes. However, young soybeans, also known as edamame, offer more flavor than tofu. Edamame's taste is often described as similar to peasslightly buttery and sweet with a hint of nuttiness. That said, the texture of edamame is firmer than a pea.

Edamame Nutrition

Edamame is an excellent source of many nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Loaded with plant-based protein and amino acids, edamame is used in vegan and vegetarian dishes to boost the nutritional value of the plate. Like lima beans, edamame also contains fiber, which benefits digestive health, boosts energy, and can keep you fuller for longer. Working more edamame into your diet is a double win for your health and taste buds.

How to Cook Edamame

There are several different methods that you can use to cook edamame. Edamame can be boiled, steamed, microwaved and pan-fried. Edamame pods can also be cooked and seasoned with various herbs and spices.

Edamame Recipes

While edamame is a staple in Asian cuisine, its popularity has made it an accepted ingredient in dishes worldwide. If you love ordering edamame-based dishes when you go out, it may be time to try making one at home. Take a look at the recipes below to see if one catches your eye.

Sesame Shrimp Millet and Quinoa Grain Bowl

How to Store Edamame

How you store edamame will largely depend on the type you've purchased. Fresh edamame loses its flavor soon after it's picked, so you want to ensure that you eat it as quickly as possible. To store fresh edamame, place it into an airtight bag and keep it in the refrigerator for a day or two. Fresh edamame that has been cooked will remain fresh in the fridge for one week. Frozen edamame should be stored in its original bag or an airtight container in the freezer and used within one year.

Lima Beans

Lima beans, also known as butter beans, are the seeds of the plant Phaseolus Lunatus. Lima beans come in several sizes ranging from large to small and boast a creamy and butter-like flavor. Originating in South America, lima beans get their name from the city of Lima, Peru. However, these beans are more commonly known as butter beans in the Southern United States and the United Kingdom. Lima beans are available fresh during the late summer growing season or as fresh-frozen or dried beans year-round. Like edamame, lima beans also grow in a pod. However, a lima beans pod is not edible. When hulled, lima beans contain a skin that can be removed after cooking or left intact. Young lima beans, also known as baby lima, will feature a thin transparent skin, whereas mature lima beans have thicker beige-colored skin.

The Taste of Lima Beans

Lima beans have a smooth, buttery taste that can be used in many dishes. And because they hold sauces and soak up the flavors of the foods cooked with them, they quickly adapt to any recipe. When compared, fresh lima beans have a slightly grassy and more vegetal flavor than dried beans.

Lima Bean Nutrition

Lima beans are chock-full of nutritional benefits. An excellent source of dietary fiber, enjoying lima beans regularly can work wonders for your digestive health. Lima beans also contain significant amounts of iron and offer 9 grams of protein per serving. When cooked alongside whole grains like quinoa, lima beans provide a complete protein source comparable to meat, without the calories and fat. What Are Lima Beans & How Do You Cook Them | Bob's Red Mill Blog

How to Cook Lima Beans

Like edamame, the type of lima beans you purchase directly impacts how you cook them. Dried lima beans are typically soaked overnight and then boiled or simmered on the stovetop until they've tenderized. Fresh or frozen lima beans cook much more quickly and taste best when prepared on the stove. A pantry staple, lima beans maintain their shape when cooked, making them an excellent addition to soups, stews and casseroles.

Lima Bean Recipes

Lima beans are one of the most versatile types of beans and are used to create many popular dishes. Large and baby lima beans are often used in different ways, extending the impact of this bean even more. The creamy texture and mild flavor of large lima beans make them an excellent addition to warm dishes and slow cooker recipes. On the other hand, small baby limas are the better option for chilled plates like succotash and salad. If you're interested in cooking with lima beans, check out the recipes below for inspiration.

How to Store Lima Beans

Storing lima beans properly is the best way to extend their shelf life. To store dried lima beans, place them in an airtight container, and keep them in a cool, dark and dry place. Dried lima beans should be used within a year, and if held for longer will begin to lose moisture and flavor. Frozen lima beans will last in the freezer for up to nine months when kept in their original packaging. If you've purchased fresh lima beans that you plan to freeze, blanch them for 2-4 minutes before packaging and freezing them.

Edamame vs. Lima Beans

Let's look at the main differences between these two popular beans. edamame

Key Differences

Edamame and lima beans are both shelled beans. However, they have many differences, the most noteworthy being protein. Edamame is considered a complete protein source, which means that it contains all nine essential amino acids. Complete plant-based protein sources are an integral part of vegan and vegetarian diets, and eating them is an excellent way to boost your intake of this nutrient. Additionally, edamame beans are a type of young soybean, whereas lima beans are a completely different type of bean. Edamame and lima beans also offer different flavor profiles and are used in varying ways.

Nutritional Differences

Both of these beans contain sugar, which explains their slightly sweet flavor. However, regarding nutrients, edamame and soybeans have some significant differences. Here are the most important:
  • Edamame contains more protein.
  • Edamame is higher in fat, whereas lima beans are almost fat free.
  • Lima beans contain more carbohydrates.
Determining if edamame or lima beans are the right choice for you will depend on your unique health needs. For individuals following a low carb diet, edamame is the better option. However, if you are looking to consume less fat, lima beans are an excellent choice.

Does Edmamae Make a Good Lima Bean Substitute?

Though different, edamame and lima beans are similar enough that they can be substituted for one another in several dishes. If you don't have either of these beans on hand, other potential substitutes include fava beans and green peas. Both edamame and lima beans are excellent choices when it comes to whole foods. Loaded with protein, vitamins and minerals, these legumes have several health benefits. However, when deciding which bean to add to your next recipe, it all comes down to which you will enjoy eating more. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we wish you a healthy and happy day! Would you like to learn more about lima beans? If so, check out the articles What Are Lima Beans? and How to Cook Lima Beans to discover all there is to know about this tasty legume.  
Bob's Red Mill
September 12 2022

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