Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus)

Lima beans are nutritious legumes grown widely for their seeds, popular as vegetables. It derives its name from Peru’s capital Lima and its scientific name is suggestive of its half-moon like form. It is known by various regional names, for example in Hindi Lima bean is called Sem Phali. Some other names of Lima beans are pallar beans, butter beans, Burma beans and giffin beans. The pods have a range of minerals and vitamins which make them healthy.

History

Discrepancy lies with its origin being in Guatemala or Peru where they have been grown for over 7000 years. Lima beans were introduced to several places form South America, more after the discovery of America by Columbus. It got introduced to Asia, Europe as well as Africa where they are grown in plenty. Its quality to sustain in the tropical weather had propagated its growth all over the world. These beans have been a staple in the Inca Empire when it was eaten with quinoa and potatoes.

Description

Shape

Beans are oval shaped, appearing like kidneys.

Size

These pods measure around 15 cm in length.

Taste

These beans have a bland delicate taste.

Flavor

Fresh beans have a delightful aroma.

Lima Bean Picture

Picture 1 – Lima Bean

Growing

Lima bean plants can be cultivated and spread via seeds that are placed almost 30 cm apart within the rows. Within 10 days, signs of germination will be visible, following which after a month it grows up. Some of the conditions are:

Sun

It requires full sun for complete growth.

Soil

Well drained soils that are sandy loamy or averagely mild can suit its growth.

Water

Sufficient water is needed for them to yield more.

Harvest time

They can be harvested before the seeds turn hard.

Distribution

Generally two varieties namely, Sieva and Lima type beans have distinct distributional range. Lima types are basically the wild form of beans having large seeds is widely distributed in North Peru within 2030 meters beyond the sea level. Whereas, the Sieva types grow extensively stretching from Mexico continuing up to Argentina, below 1600 meters from sea level.

Types

These beans are generally of two varieties, bush and pole. Bush varieties produce enormous yields and have large seeds; similarly the other one too yields high produce.

Health Benefits

Beans are high in nutrition which helps you remain hale and heart. Some of the benefits derived from it are:

  • The beans help in lowering cholesterol which in turn keeps the heart in good form.
  • Plenty of magnesium and folate is contained in the beans which are highly instrumental in preventing peripheral vascular disease and heart attacks.
  • For augmenting blood flow along with oxygen all over body, magnesium is an important substance which is contained in them.
  • Iron deficiency during menstruation is a common problem which can be solved by having these iron-rich beans.
  • High metabolism and energy production are other benefits of consumption.
  • Diabetic patients who are resistant to insulin can get benefitted as these beans can balance blood sugar.
  • If you are tacking weight gain, lima beans are exceptional to reduce weight as they are fat-free.
Images of Lima Bean

Picture 2 – Lima Bean Image

  • They provide the body with the necessary fiber which eases constipation.
  • As they do not increase blood sugar level after eating them, people with hypoglycemia are safe to consume them.
  • For those refraining from meat can get their daily dose of protein from a cup of lima beans.
  • Having food less in sodium helps you against blood pressure problems and these beans are ideal for that.
  • Presence of copper helps the liver to function properly and provide antioxidants which equips the body to fight diseases.
  • It keeps cholesterol away and provides energy to the body.

Uses

Here are some uses of the beans:

Culinary Uses

  • Lima bean soups are the best healthy choice as they provide you with all the necessary nutrients when cooked with other vegetables.
  • They can be added to corn tortillas and a topping of avocado bd tomatoes would make them truly delectable.
  • For making sandwich filling, you can blend lima bean puree and garlic in chopped form.
  • Cook lima beans with sweet potatoes and have it with fresh vegetables and rice.
  • In a number of cold and hot varieties, these beans can be used, for example salads.
  • For maintaining strong bones, calcium and manganese works wonders, which are present in the beans.
  • In Japan, a paste made of Lima beans is called “shiro-an”.

Medicinal uses

Medicinal implication of these beans would be in the treatment of skin warts as it can produce antibodies which protects against viruses.

Recipes

Some popular Lima bean recipes are:

Lima Bean Hummus which is made by blending herbs, lemon juice, garlic cloves, mint and olive oil together in a smooth mix by putting it in a food processor. Serve it with goat cheese for a mouthwatering taste. These recipes are great to be cooked on Christmas.

Lima Bean Tree Photo

Picture 3 – Lima Bean Tree

Lima Bean Indian curry is yet another popular and favorite recipe in India, which requires to be cooked with assorted aromatic spices.

Side Effects

Lima beans are highly toxic in raw form as they also have linamarin, a highly poisonous substance. In severe conditions, even death may occur by consuming such toxic varieties. However, certain varieties are in low linamarin and that can be used for cooking purposes. Nervousness, migraine, anxiety and stomach irritation are some of the problems that might occur due to amino acid called L-tyrosine present in the beans.

Lima Bean during Pregnancy

Folate rich beans are great during pregnancy but it is always better to consult a medical practitioner before consuming it to avoid complications.

Nutritional Facts

Take a look at the nutritional value of these beans.

Nutrient Amount DV (%) Nutrient Density
Molybdenum 141.00 mcg 188.0 15.7
Dietary Fiber 13.16 g 52.6 4.4
Tryptophan 0.17 g 53.1 4.4
Phosphorus 208.68 mg 20.9 1.7
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 0.30 mg 20.0 1.7
Iron 4.49 mg 24.9 2.1
Magnesium 80.84 mg 20.2 1.7
Manganese 0.97 mg 48.5 4.0
Folate 156.23 mcg 39.1 3.3
Potassium 955.04 mg 27.3 2.3
Protein 14.66 g 29.3 2.4
Copper 0.44 mg 22.0 1.8

Where to buy Lima Bean seeds?

Buy lima bean seeds from online sources or your grocery stores if you are planning to grow them extensively.

Storage

You can buy whole beans by checking their freshness so that they can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days, without getting decayed. Opt for airtight jars or ziplock bags to store dried beans and keep them away from sunlight to ensure freshness for at least 6 months.

Facts

  • Art of Moche Culture was heavily influenced by these beans when they were extensively cultivated.
  • When the Spanish Viceroyalty exported these beans to Europe and Americas, the boxes depicted their place “Lima-Peru” which ultimately named them thus.
  • They have a variety of white flat beans known as butter beans.
  • A cyanide compound is reported to be present in some raw Lima Beans, which is why only those with low levels of this compound are sold for culinary purposes.

Lima beans are used for making a range of soups, curries and paste as they are useful only in cooked form. Before incorporating them into food items wash them and dry them to eliminate the toxins. Frozen lima bean recipes are also quite popular.

Pictures

Take a look at these Lima Bean listed here.

Pictures of Lima Bean

Picture 4 – Lima Bean Picture

Photos of Lima Bean

Picture 5 – Lima Bean Photo

Reference:

https://www.feedipedia.org/node/267

http://www.aihd.ku.edu/foods/lima_beans.html

http://www.floridata.com/ref/p/phas_lun.cfm

http://www.ijstr.org/final-print/feb2020/Lima-Bean-phaseolus-Lunatus-L-A-Health-Perspective.pdf

https://www.organicfacts.net/lima-beans.html

http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/benefits-of-lima-beans-5940.html

http://www.foodreference.com/html/flimabeans.html

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