Fava Beans vs. Lima Beans

Fava Beans vs. Lima Beans

Fava beans and lima beans are two of the most commonly used beans. Both loaded with nutritional benefits, these two beans' similarities can confuse novice cooks. However, knowing how to differentiate the two is the key to a perfectly followed recipe. Read on to learn more about the similarities, differences and benefits of fava beans vs. lima beans.

The Main Difference: Fava Beans vs. Lima Beans

Wondering what separates fava beans from lima beans? The main difference between these two beans is their flavor. Lima beans are mild-tasting and feature a very light flavor profile. Fava beans are a much richer bean that boasts cheesy undertones. The texture and look of these two beans also differ. And knowing which qualities belong to each will help you better determine the best fit for your recipes.

Fava Beans

Fresh fava beans in small greenhouse Fava beans, also called broad beans, are a springtime crop cultivated and enjoyed worldwide. During growth, tiny fava beans grow on a flowering plant's large bumpy green pods until they are harvested in the spring. Ripe fava beans are bright green and have tough clear skin that's removed before eating. While removing the skin from fava beans is labor-intensive, it's well worth the effort. Many fava beans on shelves, especially the dried varieties, already have the skin removed.

Fava Bean History

Fava beans are one of the oldest known cultivated plants and date back to about 6000 BCE. First enjoyed by ancient Greeks, Romans and settlers of the Eastern Mediterranean, fava beans are now consumed worldwide. They are a staple in Asian, Middle Eastern, European, South American and African cuisines and are sold in several varieties, the three most common being fresh, canned and dried.

Fava Bean Taste

The taste of fava beans is often described as light, buttery and slightly nutty. Many also state that fava beans have a slight bitterness that typically fades as they cook. Dried fava beans have a milder flavor with a vegetal taste similar to dried chickpeas.

Fava Bean Benefits

Fava beans have an impressive nutrient profile. At a glance, fava beans are an excellent source or fiber and a good source of iron and potassium. They also contain significant levels of plant-based protein, making them an excellent option for vegan and vegetarian eaters. Working fava beans into your weekly meals is a great way to boost your nutrient intake and transform the flavor of your dishes. Read on to discover a few of the many benefits of fava beans.

May Help Regulate Blood Pressure

The potassium found in fava beans can help your body manage your blood pressure. Foods that typically contain this nutrient have been shown to help relax your blood vessels and lower high blood pressure, which can reduce your risk of developing certain diseases. fava beans dish

Fava Bean Uses

Fava beans are enjoyed worldwide, which means they can be found in almost every cuisine. That being so, there's bound to be a fava bean recipe for your sweet, salty and savory cravings. Dried fava beans are most commonly used to make soups, paste, stews and falafel. In comparison, fresh fava beans can be enjoyed sauteed, steamed, boiled and roasted. Unlike lima beans, fava beans can also be eaten raw and added to salads, pesto and vegetable dishes. No matter which type of fava beans you purchase, there's a jaw-dropping amount of recipes to choose from. Here are a few of our favorites: Fava Bean Dip Gluten Free Bean Bread for the Bread Machine Gluten Free Carrot Cake

Storing Fava Beans

The type of fava bean you purchase determines how it should be stored. Fresh, unshelled fava beans can be kept in an airtight bag in the fridge for up to ten days. Shelled fava beans keep best in an airtight container and will remain fresh in the freezer for up to 1 month, and dried fava beans need to be stored in an airtight container and kept in the pantry, where they will keep for up to one year.

Lima Beans

Lima beans Lima beans, also called butter beans and siva beans, are similar to fava beans in many ways. They are available fresh, frozen, dried, and sold in young and mature forms. Like fava beans, baby limas have a skin that surrounds the bean. However, depending on how you plan to use them, a lima bean's skin can be removed after cooking or left intact.

Lima Bean History

Lima beans have been a staple crop in Peru for the past 9000 years. They are named after Peru's capital, Lima, and became popular during the Incan Empire. As they gained popularity, lima beans quickly spread to surrounding countries through traders. By the 1300s, lima beans were already grown in North America and are now a primary crop in California.

Lima Bean Taste

Lima beans are not called butter beans by coincidence. In fact, they received the name butter beans because of their smooth buttery flavor. When added to recipes, lima beans soak up the flavor of the ingredients and sauces that they're cooked with. Fresh lima beans have a subtly grassy, vegetal-like taste.

Lima Bean Benefits

Lima beans are great for you. An excellent source of dietary fiber and iron, incorporating dried lima beans into your diet is a great way to boost the nutrition of your meals. In addition to many vitamins and minerals, lima beans also offer 9 grams of protein per serving, making them an excellent plant-based source. Curious to learn more about how eating lima beans can benefit your health? Read on to discover a few of their most recognized benefits.

Energy-Boosting

Lima beans are loaded with energy-boosting benefits. When consumed, the protein in lima beans provides easily accessible energy to the body. It can also help boost your focus and brain function. In addition to protein, lima beans contain manganese and irontwo nutrients that also promote increased energy levels.

Good for Digestion

Dietary fiber plays an essential role in the health of your digestive system, and lima beans are loaded with it. When consumed, fiber works with your gut to optimize nutrient intake and bulk up the stool. Together, the benefits of fiber ensure you get as much out of your food as possible.

Aids in Muscle Recovery

The protein found in lima beans does more for your body than boost your energy. Proteins are considered the building blocks of our body and are required for almost every function. Vital to bone strength, tissue development and muscle recovery, getting an adequate amount of protein from your diet is essential to growth and developmentespecially if you're recovering from an injury or illness. cooked lima beans

Lima Bean Uses

Lima beans are a pantry staple used in all sorts of recipes. Add them to your favorite soup, stews and casseroles, or turn lima beans into a delicious dip or spread. These tasty legumes can also be cooked and served on their own with a light dressing, like olive oil, lemon juice, or butter. Looking for ways that you can begin using butter beans today? Check out a few of our favorite delicious recipes below. Cool Lima Beans and Couscous Salad Ensalada De Quinoa Summer Quinoa Succotash Salad

Lima Bean Precautions

Unlike fava beans, lima beans should never be eaten raw. This is because raw lima beans contain a compound called linamarin, which produces cyanide a substance that is poisonous when consumed. Though many of the beans cultivated in the US are regulated to have very low levels of cyanide, lima beans should always be boiled for 5-10 minutes to remove any remaining amounts. Now that you know how fava beans and lima beans compare, it's time to decide which will work best in your favorite dishes. Both excellent for you; you can't go wrong when choosing either of these beans. From the Bob's Red Mill family to yours, have a healthy and happy day. Do you enjoy cooking with beans? We'd love to hear more about your favorite bean-based recipes. Share the dishes to which you plan to add lima and fava beans in the comments below.
Bob's Red Mill
September 24 2022

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