Lima Bean family Fabaceae. This is lima bean seed harvested while fresh and before drying or dehydration. The seeds are oval, slightly flattened, or kidney-shaped, relatively large, and commonly have a creamy white color with characteristic reddish-purple markings or spots. Fresh lima beans are cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions, including Vietnam.
Characteristic Features
Fresh lima bean seeds are medium to large in size, oval, slightly flattened, or kidney-shaped, with a relatively smooth surface. The seeds are full, firm, and reasonably uniform in size within the same lot. The seed coat is thin and creamy white to ivory, commonly featuring characteristic red-purple to reddish-brown streaks, spots, or patches.
Fresh seeds have a higher natural moisture content than dried beans and feel firm but slightly softer than dried seeds. The inner portion is creamy white, dense, tender, and more moist when fresh. The seeds should be well-developed and free from excessive shriveling or dehydration.
Acceptable raw material should be fresh, clean, and intact, without significant bruising, cracking, dark discoloration, sliminess, mold, or abnormal sour or fermented odors. The seeds should be free from visible insect or pest damage. Minor natural variations in size and color intensity are acceptable.
Flavor & Texture
Fresh lima beans have a mild characteristic legume aroma with a nutty, slightly rich, and naturally mildly sweet flavor. The seeds become tender, smooth, and creamy after cooking without becoming excessively dry or crumbly. When cooked, they have a distinct nutty texture and generally retain their shape.
Uses and Applications
Fresh lima beans can be boiled, steamed, added to soups, stews, vegetable dishes, and other bean-based preparations. Before cooking, remove the seeds from the pods, discard damaged seeds, wash thoroughly, and soak or process further according to the intended preparation.
Nutritionally, lima beans provide plant-based protein, dietary fiber, carbohydrates, folate, potassium, magnesium, iron, and other vitamins and minerals.
