Dried Lima Beans

Dried Lima Beans (Phaseolus lunatus) are the dried seeds of the lima bean plant, belonging to the Fabaceae family. The beans are generally medium to large, oval to slightly flattened, and may have creamy-white seed coats with red, purple, or brown markings depending on the variety. Dried lima beans are commonly used in sweet soups, stews, soups, fillings, and vegetarian and plant-based preparations.

Characteristic Features

The beans are medium to large in size and oval to slightly flattened in shape.

The seed coat is typically creamy-white and may have red, purple, or brown streaks or markings depending on the variety.

Dry beans have a firm structure and low moisture content and require proper cleaning, soaking, and cooking before use.

After soaking, the beans absorb water, increase in size, and become softer.

Good-quality beans should be dry and clean, with intact seeds, free from insects, mold, pests, foreign matter, or abnormal odor.

Flavor & Texture

Dried lima beans have a mild aroma with a naturally nutty, slightly creamy, and mildly sweet flavor. After cooking, the beans become soft, tender, smooth, and slightly creamy in texture.

Uses and Applications

Used to prepare sweet lima bean soups and desserts.

Used in soups and stewed dishes.

Used as a filling for cakes and other bean-based products.

Used in vegetarian and plant-based preparations.

Ground or mashed to prepare fillings, bean flour, or other bean-based products.

May be soaked, boiled, cooked, or mashed according to product requirements.

Nutritionally, dried lima beans provide plant-based protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, and various B vitamins.