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Food

Lima Beans

What is lima beans?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Scientific name Phaseolus lunatus[1]
Common name Lima bean[3]
Other common names Butter bean, sieva bean[1]
Plant family Fabaceae[3]
Origin Central American[3]

A lima bean is a legume, *Phaseolus lunatus*, grown for its edible seeds and eaten as a vegetable, also known as butter bean or sieva bean [1].

Context

Lima beans are legumes in the Fabaceae family, grown for their edible seeds and typically eaten cooked as a vegetable [1]. They are also called butter beans or sieva beans, and the names butter beans and lima beans are used interchangeably [2]. These beans have a Central American origin [3].

Documented claims

  • Lima beans are cultivated for their edible seeds and are usually eaten cooked as a vegetable. [1]
  • The terms butter beans and lima beans are used interchangeably. [2]

Related

  • Pinto BeansPinto beans are another common variety of edible beans, useful for readers comparing bean types.
  • Navy BeansNavy beans are a similar small white bean, often used in similar dishes.

Questions and answers

What are lima beans called in Canada?

In Canada, they are commonly called butter beans, a name used interchangeably with lima beans [2].

What is so special about lima beans?

Lima beans are a legume cultivated for their edible seeds and are usually eaten cooked as a vegetable [1].

What's the best way to eat lima beans?

Lima beans are usually eaten cooked as a vegetable [1].

Sources

  1. Lima beans — dpi.wi.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. LIMA BEAN Definition & Meaning - Dictionary.com — dictionary.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Lima Beans - an overview | ScienceDirect Topicswww.sciencedirect.com › topics › agricultural-and-biological-sciences › li... — sciencedirect.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Food