Soon after Columbus’ discovery of America, Spanish explorers noticed different varieties of lima beans growing throughout the South America, Central America and the Caribbean. Yet, one of lima beans’ proposed places of origin, the place where the early European explorers were thought to have first discovered them, is actually reflected in its name “Lima,” the capital of the South American country of Peru.Īlthough lima beans have been cultivated in Peru for more than 7,000 years, historians are unsure whether they originated there or in Guatemala. A cup of lima beans will give you 86.5% of the daily value for this helpful trace mineral.Īs lima beans are most often associated with succotash, a traditional Native American dish that combines this delicious bean with corn, many people think that they are native to the United States. If you have ever reacted to sulfites, it may be because your molybdenum stores are insufficient to detoxify them. Persons who are sensitive to sulfites in these foods may experience rapid heartbeat, headache or disorientation if sulfites are unwittingly consumed. Sulfites are a type of preservative commonly added to prepared foods like delicatessen salads and salad bars. Lima beans are an excellent source of the trace mineral, molybdenum, an integral component of the enzyme sulfite oxidase, which is responsible for detoxifying sulfites. The seeds are generally cream or green in color, although certain varieties feature colors such as white, red, purple, brown or black. Within the pod are the two to four flat kidney-shaped seeds that we call lima beans. The pod of the lima bean is flat, oblong and slightly curved, averaging about three inches in length. Dried and canned lima beans are available throughout the year. Although fresh lima beans are often difficult to find, they are worth looking for in the summer and fall when they are in season. Lima beans is sometimes called “butter beans” because of their starchy yet buttery texture, lima beans have a delicate flavor that complements a wide variety of dishes.

Lima bean story