Lima Beans – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are lima beans?

Lima beans are legumes (the fruit seeds of plants). Part of the Phaseolus genus, they are also commonly known as:

• Double beans
• Madagascar beans
• Chad beans
• Sieva beans
• Wax beans

Taste-wise, lima beans are mildly sweet, buttery, and starchy. They can be small or large, ranging from .3 to 1.2in, and may be either long and oval or kidney-shaped with a green or white color. The larger ones are called butter beans.

One of the most common uses of lima beans is in a dish called succotash. It combines lima beans with other fresh vegetables, like corn, tomatoes, and onions.

Lima beans can also be used as an alternative to chickpeas in hummus, added to soups, or just cooked and eaten independently. Just be sure to cook and cool them when using them in salads, because raw lima beans may be toxic.

Where did lima beans originate from?

Named from the city of their origin (Lima, Peru), lima beans may be the oldest beans still part of our diets. They date back to 6,000 B.C.

Lima beans were so much a part of Peruvian culture that they were even painted on ancient pottery. These artistic representations were the product of the Moche people, who lived in northern Peru in the 15th century.

Older than corn, lima beans were also cultivated by Native Americans. Their popularity grew internationally. First, explorers brought them to Europe in the 16th century. Today, they are also a popular bean in Southeast Asia. In Japan, chefs cook and sweeten them and then puree them into a paste called Anko, a pastry and dessert ingredient.

What is the nutritional value of lima beans?

Lima beans are known for being very high in complex carbohydrates. Half of these carbs come from starch, which provides quick energy. The rest come from fiber, which fills people up and improves digestive health. The carbs in lima beans also contain a small amount of natural sugar.

Lima beans also contain what’s known as “good fat” because it’s polyunsaturated. They are also relatively high in protein and iron, making them a good, filling option for people looking to manage weight, combat anemia, and boost energy.

Among the other vitamins and minerals in lima beans are:

• Vitamin B1 (or thiamine)
• Folate
• Copper
• Molybdenum
• Manganese
• Phosphorous

How are lima beans grown?

Lima beans are annuals. They grow best in soil that has already warmed following the frost. They are planted about 1 to 1 1/2in deep and in rows about 2ft apart. The seeds are spaced at intervals of 2 to 4in. They can grow about 2ft tall with full sun and rich soil, and some varieties are grown on trellises or poles.

Because they are a warm-season crop, they are grown in more temperate areas of the United States, including the mid-Atlantic region (including Delaware). They are also grown throughout the Midwest and California.

Baby lima beans are planted in early June and harvested approximately 10–12 weeks after that.

When are lima beans in season?

Autumn months are usually the best time for lima beans because they grow throughout the summer.

Although Instacart offers same-day delivery and pick-up of lima beans and other fresh produce year-round, home chefs may also want to keep dry or canned lima beans in their pantry for recipes.

How do you pick lima beans at the grocery store?

Look for pods that are firm and plump. They may still be in their shells or already peeled (shucked). Skins should be green or greenish-white.

Experiment with different sizes and shapes of lima beans. Each type has a slightly different flavor and texture, making them among the most interesting bean varieties.

Shop via Instacart for same-day delivery or pick-up when looking for lima beans. Once they are added to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to give specific preferences or directions on choosing the best products. Shop for lima beans now.

How to store lima beans

Fresh lima beans will keep the longest if still in their pods. Store them in tightly-sealed plastic bags in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.

You can also blanch or freeze them. When prepared this way, they will keep for about a year.

Dry lima beans may keep up to 5 to 10 years when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. That will keep out moisture and humidity.

How to tell if lima beans are bad

Soft spots or discoloration are signs lima beans are starting to go bad. Avoid fresh lima beans that are dried-out, yellowing, or wilting. Watch out for mold or a bad smell.

Do not eat raw lima beans! They must be cooked for at least 10 minutes. They may contain a cyanide compound that gets neutralized during cooking.

What can I substitute for lima beans?

Beans are a staple of many home cooks’ kitchens because of their versatility and health value. Experiment with a wide range of bean types, sizes, and shapes.  

Two popular alternatives are fava (horse) beans or red kidney beans.

Lima beans are also available dried, frozen, and canned. So, you don’t have to look for substitutes if you keep one of the other alternatives on hand.

Where can I find lima beans near me?

The best way to buy lima beans and other fresh produce is via Instacart. Choose from various sizes and types and get them delivered conveniently to your kitchen the same day. When using Instacart for same-day delivery, you’ll have access to all the ingredients you need without visiting multiple stores—all year-round.

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