Lima Bean Respect Day

 

Lima beans are fresh in summer, though they are most commonly found dried, canned or frozen, all year long. Lima beans are also known as "Butter Beans"  in many parts of the United States.

There are warnings to avoid raw lima beans because they contain linamarin (also called cyanogens), which releases a cyanide compound when the seed coat is opened," according to Fruits and Veggies Matter. Linamarin is deactivated during cooking.

Nutrition Information

Modified Recipe

The original recipe can be found at Good Morning America at the following link:

Baby Limas, Green and Yellow Beans, and Teardrop Tomatoes
with Mint Vinaigrette from Emeril Lagasse,
"Farm to Fork: Cooking Local, Eating Fresh"

The recipe needed very little modification, but with a few changes we were able to lower the calories, fat, sodium and sugar content. Excellent source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C and folate and a good source of iron and calcium. 

The Delaware Department of Agriculture presents
a Food for Thought video on Lima Beans.

Lima Beans: Educational Resources

The following resources can be found at the USDA and Snap Education.

Butter Beans and Lima Beans (PDF)
University of Florida. Sarasota County Extension.
Explores the difference between butter beans and lima beans.
Also provides nutritional information and recipes.

Kentucky Lima Beans (PDF)
Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.
Information about selection, storage, preparation and a recipe.

L is for Lima Beans (PDF)

University of California. Alameda County Cooperative Extension.

Materials for young children, includes fun lima bean facts, nutrition information and the “Lima Bean Limbo” activity.