Lima Beans

Lima bean, or Phaseolus lunatus, is a legume. It is commonly known as the lima bean or butter bean.

Phaseolus lunatus is of Andean and Mesoamerican origin. During the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru, lima beans were exported to the rest of the Americas and Europe, and since the boxes of such goods had their place of origin labeled "Lima - Peru", the beans got named as such.



The term "butter bean" is widely utilized for a large, flat and yellow/white variety of lima bean. In the Southern United States the Sieva type are traditionally called butter beans, also otherwise known as the Dixie or Henderson type. In that area, lima beans and butter beans are seen as two distinct types of beans.

In the United Kingdom, "butter beans" refer to either dried beans which can be purchased to re-hydrate, or the canned variety which are ready to use.

Cooking

Very important: Don't soak the beans overnight if you are planning to prepare beans salad. If you soak them, the beans will disintegrate during cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 0.25 cup

Amount Per Serving / Amount Per Serving and/or % Daily Value*

Calories 170
Calories from Fat 0
Total Fat 0g (0%)
Saturated Fat 0g (0%)
Cholesterol 0mg (0%)
Sodium 5mg (0%)
Total Carbohydrate 32g (11%)
Dietary Fiber 10g (42%)
Sugars 4g
Protein 10g
Amount Per Serving and/or % Daily Value*
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 4%
Iron 15%

References:

Phaseolus lunatus - Wikipedia http://goo.gl/GJYvN
Bob's Red Mill Large Lima Beans, 28-Ounce Packages (Pack of 4): Amazon.com: Grocery & Gourmet Food http://goo.gl/gUBVl