Lima beans, scientifically known as Phaseolus lunatus, are legumes cultivated for their edible seeds. They are flat, often crescent or kidney-shaped, with fine ridges radiating from the “eye” on their seed coat. Originating in Central America, they have become a popular ingredient in various cuisines around the world, particularly in the American South where they are often referred to as butter beans.
Common Lima Bean Varieties and Their Sizes
Lima beans exhibit a range of sizes, shapes, and colors depending on the variety. “Baby limas,” also known as Sieva beans or Henderson Bush, are smaller, typically pale green, with a milder flavor and less starchy texture. These small-seeded types are popular in the Southern United States and mature faster than larger varieties.
Larger lima beans, often called “Fordhook” or “butter beans,” are thicker-seeded and can be moon-shaped. Fordhook 242, King of the Garden, and Challenger are common large-seeded varieties. Some varieties like Florida Butter are purple-and-buff speckled. These larger types have an earthier flavor and a starchier consistency.
Factors Affecting Lima Bean Size
The size of lima beans is influenced by their genetic makeup and environmental conditions during growth. Each variety has an inherent genetic predisposition for a certain size, which is why baby limas are consistently smaller than Fordhooks. The specific gene pools, such as the A gene pool for large lima beans and the MI and MII gene pools for Sieva and Potato types, contribute to this size diversity.
Environmental factors also play a significant role in bean development. Optimal growth occurs when soil temperatures are between 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit; temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit lead to poor growth. Adequate water availability is important, as lima beans require approximately 20-25 inches of water during their growing season. Well-drained loamy soils rich in organic matter support healthy bean size. High temperatures and low humidity, especially during blossoming, can interfere with pod set and lead to flower and young pod abortion, ultimately affecting yield and bean size.
Culinary Uses and Size Preference
The size of lima beans dictates their culinary applications due to differences in cooking time and texture. Smaller varieties, like baby limas, are more tender and sweeter, making them suitable for quick-cooking dishes such as salads, stir-fries, and sautés. They cook quickly, typically in about 30 minutes for fresh beans.
Larger lima beans, with their starchier texture, develop a creamy consistency when cooked, making them well-suited for heartier dishes like soups, stews, and casseroles. These larger beans require longer cooking times, often 40-45 minutes for dried beans, and benefit from pre-soaking. Examples of dishes where larger limas are featured include succotash, Kentucky burgoo, paella, and Greek gigandes plaki. For blended recipes like dips or purees, larger beans can be cooked longer to achieve an extra soft and creamy texture.