Lima Bean (Phaseolus Lunatus)
Common Names

Lima Bean, White Lima, Butter Bean

Visual Characteristics
White bean with slight gray striations emanating from the naval of the bean. Green lima bean, same characteristics, main bean color light green with white striations.
Growing Characteristics

In southern climates, growing season is spring and fall (warm season crop) Limas grow in both pole and bush varieties and many variations of the bean exist within these two growing types.

History of Plant
Originally thought to originate from Brazil, a wild, primitive form of lima bean has been recently discovered in Guatemala, leading scientists to believe that the bean’s origins may actually lie here. The name “lima bean” originated from the discovery of the bean by European explorers in Lima, Peru. Its development includes three main courses of travel: through Mexico into our Southwest, then over to Florida and up toward Virginia. Second, down through Central America into Peru (this is where larger pods developed than typical lima beans of North America). The third course of development for the bean was east through the West Indies and Southward toward South America.
Pharmacology

Poison
Lima beans contain a compound known as cyanogens, from which the poison cyanide is derived. The U.S. and many other countries restrict the cultivation of limas to only those with very low levels of this compound.
Excessive ingestion of the lima bean has been known to promote goiter. Rinsing completely when preparing has shown good results in lowering the levels of compounds in the bean that promote this condition.

Food Use
Puree lima beans as a substitute for milk in creamy soup recipes.
Nutritional Values

Excellent source of:


Good source of:

Potassium
Iron
Folate
Protein
Fiber
Recipes

Lima Bean Loaf
2cups cooked lima beans
ichopped onion
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 cup strained tomatoes icup breadcrumbs
2cups grated cheese
salt and pepper
Combine ingredients into a medium bowl, and pour into greased bread pan. Cook in medium oven for 1 hour.
Authored By
Nancy Gordon
Bibliography

www.ces.uga.edu/pubcd/C71 6-w.htm
http://www.mycustompak.com/healthNotes/Food Guide/Lima Beans.htm