Food Guide
Lima Beans
Varieties
Limas are members of the kidney bean family and are predominantly available as two main types: large, “potato” limas and small, baby lima beans, which are half the size of the large variety. Another, less common, variety is the large, speckled Christmas lima. The colors of lima bean varieties range from off-white and pale green to red, purple, brown, and almost black.
Preparation, Uses, & Tips
Soak dried limas for six hours and cook on the stove uncovered for about one hour, or until tender. 1 cup of dried limas makes approximately 2 1/2 cups of cooked beans. Succotash, corn mixed with lima beans, is a traditional dish in the southern United States. Try puréeing lima beans as a substitute for milk in creamy soups.
Storing
Store dried lima beans in an airtight jar. Fresh, limas shelled from the pod are best cooked right away but will keep for a week or so in the refrigerator.