Butter Beans

## 🧈 Butter Beans Butter beans are another common name for **lima beans** (*Phaseolus lunatus*). They are highly valued for their rich, buttery flavor and smooth, creamy texture when cooked. * **Identity: ** Butter beans and lima beans are the **same species** of bean. The difference in naming often depends on the region and the stage of maturity: * In the **Southern US and the UK**, the term **"butter bean"** is commonly used, especially for the larger, mature, pale white/beige variety. * The smaller, younger, light green beans are frequently called **"baby lima beans."** * **Appearance: ** They have a distinctive **flat, kidney or moon shape** (*lunatus* means "moon-shaped"). They can range in color from pale green (immature) to creamy white or beige (mature/dried). * **Culinary Use:** Their delicate flavor makes them incredibly versatile. They are delicious in: * Traditional Southern dishes like **succotash**. * Soups, stews, and casseroles. * Mashed or puréed for a creamy side dish or dip. * **Nutritional Highlights: ** Butter beans are a highly nutritious food, packed with: * **Protein** and **Dietary Fiber** (both soluble and insoluble, which aid in digestion and blood sugar control). * A rich source of minerals including **Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, ** and **Manganese. ** * They are also a good source of **Folate** (Vitamin B9). --