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Baby Butter Beans

 

Baby Butter Lima Beans are a dwarf variety of lima bean, about 1/2 inch long, with a thin, yellowish-white skin and a creamy texture. Sometimes called "sieva beans," these tasty little beans are a popular ingredient in Southern cooking, especially the classic succotash.

  • In addition to being rich in fiber, lima beans are an excellent source of molybdenum, a trace mineral that can help those who are sensitive to sulfite preservatives in food and wine
  • Lima beans must be cooked before eating, as they contain a toxin that is neutralized by cooking

     

Basic Prep

Carefully sort beans and rinse thoroughly. Place in a large pot and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil for 3 minutes, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 1 hour, until tender.

 

Suggested Uses

  • Perfect tossed with corn and cream in the classic Southern dish succotash
  • Their mild flavor and creamy texture make them ideal for cooking with savory accents like bacon or ham hocks
  • Delicious in fresh vegetable soups
  • Shine a spotlight on the beans themselves by simply tossing with olive oil and herbs

 

Description

  • Baby Butter Lima Beans (Phaseolus lunatus) are a dwarf variety of lima bean, flat and about 1/2 inch long with a faint seashell pattern radiating out from the inner seam.

  • The thin, yellowish-white skin allows it to cook quickly.

  • The bean's name comes from its butter-like color, sweet, rich flavor and creamy texture. Baby Butter Lima Beans are also referred to as "sieva beans," or sometimes simply "butter beans."

  • They are grown across the Southern United States, and are a key ingredient in several regional Southern recipes.

  • The plant reaches its peak harvest in late summer.

  • Baby Butter Lima Beans are members of the larger family of legumes, plants used for their edible seeds and pods that boast a high nutrient density with low-maintenance production and storage.

  • They contain high levels of protein, essential minerals and fiber while maintaining a low level of fats.

  • Known as a high-quality, inexpensive source of protein and nutrition, they have become diet staples in many cultures and are now widely produced in Asia, Europe and North America.

 

Storage & handling

Store in a dry, cool place.

 

Ingredients

Lima baby butter beans.

Baby Butter Beans

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