Lima Beans

Statistics

  2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Number Of Contracts 30 28 33 38 24 29 31 25
Acres Contracted 2,242 3,199 3,042 3,807 3,008 3,461 3,331 2,860
Acres Harvested 2,387 3,426 3,367 3,909 4,689 3,953 3,320  
Tons Harvested 3,737 6,281 6,342 6,025 7,527 7,604 5,186  
Gross Farm Value (.000) $1,765 $2,997 $3,066 $2,934 $4,457 $5,866 $4,371  

P = Preliminary

Source: Processor Information Returns

 

Nutrition and Health

Lima beans, like most legumes, are a good source of protein, iron, folate, magnesium, copper, and manganese.  The dietary fiber in lima beans is associated with a decreased risk of diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.  Lima beans and their nutrients also help in the development of bones, muscle and heart function.  Lima beans are also a good addition to diets due to their iron and protein content.

Cooking Tips

  • Add lima beans to vegetable soups for a nutrient kick. 
  • Roasting can be done by tossing lima beans with sesame oil and seasoning with lime juice and cayenne pepper, oven roast until hot and crisp.
  • Try lima bean in replace of chickpeas for your hummus. 

Interesting Facts

  • The scientific name for the lima bean is "Phaseoulus lunatus". This name refers to the shape of the bean, which looks like half-moon (lunatus = crescent-shaped, in Latin).
  • Lima beans are also known as "butterbeans" because of the taste of cooked beans, which resembles butter.
  • Lima beans were very important in the Moche culture. They cultivated the bean heavily and it was commonly depicted within their artwork.
  • Lima beans have a high molybdenum content which may help people with a sensitivity to sulfites since sulfite sensitivity is often due to low levels molybdenum in the body.