If you’re not from the south, you may not be familiar with the vegetable known as a “butter bean”.
Technically they are what other parts of the nation call lima beans and belong to that genus and species Phaseolus lunatusis. They are sometimes called sieve beans, calico beans or Madagascar beans. But, most frequently in the South, they are known simply as “butter beans”.
Like other beans, the butter bean contains fiber, iron and B-vitamins. They are a rich source of low-fat protein. A ½ cup serving of butter beans contains 5 grams of protein, 1 gram of fat, 17 grams of carbs, and 4 grams of dietary fiber for 100 calories.
Lima/butter beans grow in pods that are removed before eaten. They can be eaten “green/fresh” when they are young. Or left on the plant to mature more and harvested for “dried” beans.
If you’re purchasing or preparing freshly shucked butter beans it’s important to remember NOT to eat the beans before cooking. Lima and butter beans contain a substance called linamarin and if they are eaten raw forms hydrogen cyanide which is poisonous.
Luckily butter beans and Lima beans are not usually consumed uncooked. Cooking the beans for 20 minutes will destroy the toxin.
A few things to think about:
- the linamarin is still present in the dried beans-they need to be heated/cooked after soaking.
- read packages of frozen Lima or butter beans to ensure they have been cooked—simple blanching—which is common in frozen foods may not be enough to destroy the linamarin.
- make sure your Lima and butter beans are thoroughly cooked before serving
No matter what you call them, butter beans are good eating.
Here is a favorite recipe for Vegetarian Paella using lima or butter beans:
Vegetarian Paella
Serves:4 |Serving Size:2 cups
Total Time:25 min|Prep:10 min|Cook:15 min
Ingredients:
Olive oil cooking spray
1/2 onion, dice medium
1/2 red bell pepper, dice medium
1 carrot, peel and slice thin
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup sliced kale
1 plum tomato, dice medium
1 cup low-sodium tomato juice
1 cup water
2 cups instant brown rice
2 cups frozen Lima beans
Directions:
Heat a wide, shallow 3-quart sauce pan over medium-high heat. Lightly spray with olive oil cooking spray. Add onions, peppers, carrots, and mushrooms and sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables begin to brown.
Add the rest of the ingredients and reduce heat to medium. Cover pan and cook for 5-6 minutes until liquid is absorbed by rice and rice is tender.
Serves 4. Each 2 cups serving: 311 calories, 2g fat, 0g saturated fat, 0gtrans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 40mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate, 7g fiber, 6g sugars, 11g protein.
By: Cheryle Jones Syracuse, MS
Professor Emeritus, The Ohio State University
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FAQs
Other than what they're called and sometimes their color, butter beans and lima beans are exactly the same. Their species is called Phaseolus lunatus and the difference in their name is only a matter of geography. In the American South and the United Kingdom, they're butter beans.
What are butter beans called in America? ›
Lima Beans. While they're all the same bean botanically, butter beans have different names depending on the region. In the South and in the United Kingdom, they're typically referred to as butter beans. Elsewhere in the U.S., they're known as lima beans (named for Lima, Peru, the bean's point of origin).
Are cannellini beans and butter beans the same? ›
Compared to butter beans, cannellini beans have a nuttier flavor and sturdier makeup. Nutritionally, both butter and cannellini beans are high in protein and fiber and have very similar nutritional profiles.
Are great northern beans the same as butter beans? ›
Great Northern beans are not the same as butter beans, but they can be used as an alternative to butter beans. Compared to butter beans, Great Northern beans are a bit more grainy and not as buttery.
Are butter beans healthy? ›
Butter Beans are a fantastically healthy ingredient – they're high in protein and fibre, and they're an excellent source of carbohydrates. Low in fat and calories but high in folate, starch and iron, they're one of the best store cupboard ingredients there is.
What bean is closest to butter beans? ›
Cannellini beans are a great substitute for butter beans due to their similar size and texture. They have a mild, nutty flavor that can complement a wide range of dishes, making them a versatile option for soups, stews, and salads.
Can you eat butter beans straight from the tin? ›
From the tin – not a cooking method, but butter beans and be enjoyed straight from the can. Try scattering them in a salad or alongside a sharp, salty cheese with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs.
Do you have to soak butter beans before cooking? ›
Canned or frozen butter beans don't require any soaking or initial preparation beyond a quick rinse or thaw, but dried beans require a few extra steps. Soak the beans overnight (optional): If you choose to soak your beans to save cooking time, thoroughly wash, drain, and pick over beans for any debris.
Can I eat butter beans raw? ›
If you're purchasing or preparing freshly shucked butter beans it's important to remember NOT to eat the beans before cooking. Lima and butter beans contain a substance called linamarin and if they are eaten raw forms hydrogen cyanide which is poisonous.
What is the healthiest bean? ›
Some of the healthiest beans to consume include:
- Black beans: Often known as turtle beans, black beans are inexpensive and widely available in supermarkets. ...
- Kidney beans: ...
- Lima beans: ...
- Soybeans: ...
- Chickpeas: ...
- Pinto beans: ...
- Navy beans:
All beans are rich in fiber, but the top-ranking variety is the navy bean, allegedly named for its popularity in the U.S. Navy in the early 20th century. These pea-sized, cream-colored beans provide 10 grams of fiber per half-cup serving.
Are gigante beans the same as butter beans? ›
Gigante beans are essentially large lima beans (also known as butter beans), but they are a little different from the varieties you'd find on the shelves in the US. And that's because they are grown in Greece, in the northwest of the country in regions like Prespes.
Do butter beans have another name? ›
A lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), also commonly known as butter bean, sieva bean, double bean or Madagascar bean, is a legume grown for its edible seeds or beans.
What are canned butter beans called? ›
You'll see them labeled in different ways in the store, after all: frozen lima beans, canned butter beans, dried large limas—or is it dried large butter beans? Turns out, lima beans and butter beans are the same thing. Both terms refer to the same species, Phaseolus lunatus.
Are baby lima beans the same as butter beans? ›
Lima Beans vs. Butter Beans. Well, rest assured; the two are actually one in the same. There's no difference between lima beans and butter beans, though sometimes they're sold at different stages of maturity.
