Lima Beans

The lima bean, sometimes called the butter bean for its soft, creamy texture, takes its name from the city of Lima in Peru, where it has been grown for thousands of years. Tender and mild, it turns a simple pot into comfort food.

It is especially rich in potassium, the mineralA natural building block your body needs in small amounts, like calcium or magnesium. More → that balances sodium and helps the blood vessels relax toward a healthier pressure, and it carries the soluble fiberThe part of plant foods your body can't fully break down — it keeps digestion moving. More → that gathers up excess cholesterol and keeps digestionHow your body breaks food down into pieces small enough to use for energy. More → moving in a comfortable rhythm. Its plant protein makes it a filling, steadying centerpiece for a meatless meal.

Like other beans it must be cooked thoroughly — never eaten raw — and welcomed gradually with plenty of water so the body adjusts gently. Prepared simply, it is a safe and deeply nourishing food.