Lima beans are a popular legume, valued for their creamy texture and versatility. Though often considered a single type, their size varies significantly, impacting cultivation and culinary uses. Understanding these variations helps gardeners and cooks achieve desired results.
Understanding What Influences Lima Bean Size
A lima bean’s size is determined by genetic factors, its maturity when harvested, and environmental conditions. Different varieties are inherently predisposed to produce beans of distinct sizes, from small, tender types to larger, more robust ones.
Lima beans grow within their pods as they mature. Harvesting them at an earlier stage yields smaller, more tender “baby” limas. Conversely, allowing pods to remain on the vine longer permits beans to fully swell, reaching maximum size and starch content. Beyond genetics and maturity, adequate water, sunlight, and fertile soil support the development of larger, well-formed beans.
Exploring Common Lima Bean Varieties by Size
Lima beans are broadly categorized into baby, medium, and large sizes, each with distinct characteristics and popular varieties. These categories often overlap with bush and pole growth habits, offering gardeners a range of choices.
Baby lima beans, also known as Sieva beans or butterpeas, are typically small, tender, and quick-cooking. Popular bush varieties include ‘Henderson’, an heirloom known for creamy-white, buttery beans in 65-70 days, and ‘Thorogreen’, an early-maturing bush variety producing 3-4 pale green beans per pod in 65-67 days. They are generally less starchy and have a milder flavor.
Medium lima beans offer an intermediate size and versatility. ‘Fordhook 242’ is a widely recognized bush variety that produces plump, greenish-white beans. This award-winning variety is known for its heat tolerance and reliable yields, maturing in 75-80 days.
Large lima beans, sometimes called “butter beans” or “potato limas,” are substantial in size with a meatier texture. ‘King of the Garden’ is a prominent pole variety, producing large, cream-colored beans from vines that can reach 8-12 feet. This heirloom offers a long harvest season and excellent flavor, maturing in 85-90 days. ‘Christmas’ lima is another large-seeded pole variety, noted for its distinctive maroon and white speckled pattern and rich, buttery flavor. They are generally starchier and have a more earthy taste.
Culinary Implications of Lima Bean Size
The size of a lima bean significantly impacts its culinary application, affecting cooking time, texture, and suitability for various dishes. Smaller lima beans, such as ‘Henderson’ or ‘Thorogreen’ varieties, cook faster due to their delicate structure. These baby limas have a creamy, tender texture, making them ideal for quick side dishes, light salads, or as a component in mixed vegetable preparations where a delicate touch is desired.
Larger lima beans, like ‘King of the Garden’ or ‘Fordhook 242’, require longer cooking times. Their larger size results in a heartier, meatier texture once cooked. These substantial beans hold their shape well and are excellent for more robust dishes such as stews, succotash, or as a standalone component where a more filling bean is preferred.
Tips for Harvesting Lima Beans to Achieve Desired Size
Gardeners can influence the size of their harvested lima beans by understanding the optimal time to pick them based on intended use. For tender, “baby” lima beans, harvest when pods are plump and firm but before beans fully swell. This means picking them when they are young, offering a creamy texture. Consistent harvesting of younger pods can also encourage the plant to produce more beans throughout the season.
To achieve larger, fully developed lima beans, allow pods to remain on the vine for a longer period. The beans will continue to grow and fill out, becoming firmer and more starchy. Visual cues for larger beans include pods that are visibly full, firm to the touch, and slightly bulging. For dried beans, leave pods on the plant until they turn brown and become brittle, ensuring the beans inside are hard and fully mature.