NATIONAL LIMA BEAN RESPECT DAY
National Lima Bean Respect Day on April 20th gives the humble lima bean its due. When cooked, fresh lima beans have a creamy texture. However, dried lima beans once cooked serve up a bad reputation due to their graininess. There are ways to achieve smooth, buttery lima beans using dried beans.
First, it’s important to sort the beans and discard any wrinkled or cracked beans. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with three times as much water as you have beans. If any beans float to the top, immediately discard those, too. Soak the remaining beans overnight.
The next day, drain and rinse the beans three times. You want your water to run clear. Place the beans in a heavy saucepan and cover with fresh water. Bring the water to a boil and let simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender. You can add them to other recipes and enjoy.
Lima beans are an excellent source of protein, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. They can also increase energy levels by helping to restore more iron. Most of us have tried lima beans as a child and didn’t like them. It’s time to give them a second chance as adults. They are delicious in soups, stews, salads, and casseroles, by themselves or mixed with other vegetables.
HOW TO OBSERVE #LimaBeanRespectDay
- Enjoy lima beans with any of your meals as a way to celebrate the day.
- Share a lima bean recipe.
- Try this Three-Bean Cassoulet recipe.
- Plant lima beans in your garden.
- Share your thoughts about lima beans using #LimaBeanRespectDay on Social Media.
NATIONAL LIMA BEAN RESPECT DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this healthful holiday.
Lima Bean FAQ
Q. How many calories are in a serving of lima beans?
A. A 1/2 cup serving of lima beans contains 108 calories.
Q. What’s another name for a lima bean?
A. Lima beans are known by many names including wax bean, butter bean, and sieve bean.
Q. Where are lima beans native to?
A. Lima beans are native to Central America.
Q. Can I grow lima beans in my garden?
A. Under the right conditions, lima beans should flourish in your garden. They like loamy, moist, well-drained soils and warm temperatures. They grow well across all the Americas.
