National Lima Bean Day

Today is the day of the LIMA BEAN or BUTTER BEAN or MADAGASCAR BEAN
Among the most popular shell beans in the U.S., these smooth, flat shaped, sweet-tasting beans have a rich, starchy, meaty texture and a creamy, distinctive flavor. Lima beans are nutrient-dense and their richness generates feelings of satiety. Often referred to in some southern states as “butter beans,” lima beans date back to around 5000 B.C.E. along the coastal regions of South America; they are believed to have originated in Guatemala and Southern Mexico and are called lima after Lima, Peru, where they were discovered by the Spanish in the 1500s. Spanish explorers brought the lima bean to Europe, where it thrived in the temperate climate; the slave trade brought it to Africa. where it became one of the most vital beans on the continent.

Fresh varieties of lima bean sold in their pods can sometimes be found in local markets. Before European settlers reached the Americas, a type of bean believed to be similar to the lima bean was grown by Native Americans in the southwestern and East Coast regions of the U.S. These beans were commonly inter-cropped by Native Americans with corn; hence, the origin of succotash, a side dish that combines lima beans and corn. Limas are also used in casseroles, soups and salads.

Lima beans were traded along routes that led into North America; eventually they were carried to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Early explorers stored dry lima beans for long periods on their ships, recognizing that they were a nutritious and highly concentrated food source. In fact, lima beans are a good source of B vitamins (vitamin B6, niacin, folate), protein (including the important amino acid lysine), fiber (especially soluble fiber in the form of pectin), iron, potassium, and magnesium; and they have very little fat. Studies suggest that intake of beans can help to lower LDL cholesterol levels, probably due to their soluble fiber content. Lima beans also contain the phytochemicals coumestrol and saponin, compounds that may impart anticancer benefits.

One of the most widely available beans, lima beans come in two sizes: large, flat lima beans (the Giant Peruvian Lima, Phaseolus limensis), also called the butter bean, cape pea, curry bean, lab bean, Fordhook, Madagascar bean or Pole Bean. The other is the baby lima or baby butter bean, which is not a young lima bean but a smaller, milder-tasting variety. Both are sold frozen as well as dried and canned. Beyond Fordhooks and baby limas, there is wide variety of seed sizes, shapes and color combinations among lima beans (see the Christmas lima photo at right), but they are less available. Baby lima beans are less starchy than the larger Peruvian/Fordhook variety. Generally, the greener the thinner bean, the better the texture and flavor.
Giant Peruvian lima beans available at Amazon.com.
Christmas lima beans available at Amazon.com.
Baby butter beans available at Amazon.com.