Lima bean (butter bean)

Description

Lima beans (also known as butter beans) have a delicate, slightly sweet, buttery flavor and a creamy, smooth texture; the seeds are flat, oval, usually light green to cream-white. Once cooked, they become soft, almost melting, making them an attractive addition to dishes that require a velvety texture. They are a rich source of plant-based protein, fiber, folic acid, potassium, and iron, with low fat and saturated fatty acid content, supporting heart health, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and promoting a feeling of fullness, as well as being beneficial in the diet of pregnant women due to folates. Lima beans are great for soups, stews, salads, succotash, purees, or casseroles, pairing well with herbs, lemon, bacon, or vegetables. For dried beans, soaking overnight and rinsing thoroughly before cooking is recommended; store dried beans in an airtight, cool, and dry place for up to a year, and cooked beans in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.