Lima beans vs. Beans - What's the difference?

Lima beans and broad beans may not be the most popular bean varieties. And because they have some similarities, many people confuse lima beans and fava beans.

What are the differences between broad beans and kidney beans?  The main difference between broad beans and kidney beans is their flavor. Lima beans have a starchy and milder flavor profile, while broad beans have a richer, cheesy flavor. Lima beans and broad beans also have a different appearance and a distinct texture. 

In this article, we have compared lima beans and fava beans to find out their similarities and differences. Read on to learn about the origin, texture, and flavor of these beans, as well as their nutrition and uses in the kitchen.

What are Lima beans?

Dating back to 2000 BC, lima beans are also known as butter beans. They are called broad beans after the city of Lima, Peru, where they have been cultivated for centuries .

You can find different varieties of lima beans, including baby lima beans, which many people prefer for their comparatively milder flavor profile.

What are broad beans?

Broad beans are widely known as broad beans. The broad beans are native to North Africa and have existed for centuries, since the year 6000 BC. They are a seasonal crop that is grown in different parts of the world.

That is why these beans are used in various cuisines, from Asian to African, and from European to American.

These flat, green beans are covered in a tough, transparent skin that is removed before eating. Since broad beans require more effort to clean, they tend to be more expensive compared to other varieties of broad beans, both fresh and dried.

What are the differences between Lima beans and broad beans?

Lima beans and broad beans have some similarities, such as the fact that they are both very ancient legumes. Many people mistake these beans for their somewhat similar appearance.

But the truth is that there are a number of differences between broad beans and kidney beans. 

We have compared all aspects of broad beans and kidney beans. Here’s how these beans differ in terms of appearance, taste, texture, nutrition, uses, etc.

Aspect

Although lima beans and lima beans may look similar to someone who is not very familiar with their quirks, the two varieties of beans are sure to have differences in appearance.

There is a good chance of mistaking these beans when they are shelled and sold dry. But it can be easier to tell the differences between broad beans and string beans when they’re fresh out of their pods.

Fresh broad beans are usually green in color, while broad beans, although they can also appear green, can also be white, brown, with purple or red lines, etc.

Pale cream or green broad beans are the best known and most widely used types of broad beans.

As for the pods, broad beans have wide and flat pods while broad bean pods are bulging.

If you want to easily distinguish broad beans and string beans, you have to look closely at the seeds. In the case of lima beans, the point where the seed was connected to the pod is in the center.

In the case of broad beans, the connection point of the seed with the pod is at the top of the bean (in the corner).

Taste

If you don’t like kidney beans but want the health benefits they bring, then you should give fava beans a try.

As many people believe, these beans lack the traditional bean flavor and have a slightly nutty flavor. They also have a slight sweetness. 

If you cook the beans properly, they will maintain their mild flavor profile. But overcooking lima beans can make them taste harsh and unpleasant.

The broad beans also have nutty and sweet notes. However, they are not as starchy and taste better than broad beans. According to many people, broad beans also have cheese notes.

Texture

If you’re trying to decide between lima beans and kidney beans, their texture may be one of the reasons you choose one over the other.

The broad beans are firmer and do not crumble after cooking. Lima beans, in addition to being starchy, are softer than broad beans. 

If you find fresh beans too starchy and mushy, we recommend trying the dried variety, as they are more buttery when cooked.

nutritional data

Both lima beans and broad beans are legumes, which means they are a rich source of protein. In addition to their high protein content, both bean varieties are packed with nutrients like iron, magnesium, vitamin B-6, and calcium.

Lima beans and fava beans are also great sources of potassium. Potassium is one of the most important nutrients for the body. It is responsible for regulating fluid balance and nerve signals.

If you need to incorporate potassium-rich foods into your diet to lower blood sugar levels, consider eating more lima beans. A serving of boiled beans contains twice as much potassium as a serving of boiled beans.

Here are the general health benefits associated with the consumption of broad beans and kidney beans.

• Regulation of blood sugar levels
• Digestion improvement
• prevention of anemia
• Improved heart health

Applications

Lima beans are a very versatile ingredient. They are used to make stews and salads. Mash the beans until creamy for a delicious sauce that you can spread on sandwiches and toast.

Bean cream is another popular way to prepare these beans. Adding cream and butter to the beans makes their creamy texture stand out.

And if this is what you like about broad beans, what you should do is cook them with cream.

The uses of broad beans in the kitchen are similar to those of broad beans in the kitchen. This is not surprising, since almost all varieties of beans can be used in a similar way in the kitchen.

The uses of broad beans differ depending on whether they are fresh or dried. Dried broad beans are widely used in recipes with a longer cooking time.

You can use the beans to make soups and stews . They are also great for making falafel and various tasty pastries.

As for the fresh broad beans, you can eat them boiled, sautéed, roasted or fried. Cook the broad beans and use them to make stuffed salads.

Whatever you decide to do with these beans, be sure to cook them. As with other varieties of beans, the consumption of lima beans and lima beans raw poses health risks.

You should boil the beans for at least 10 minutes before eating them to remove toxins like phytohemagglutinin.

Canned lima and fava beans can be eaten without cooking, as the beans are pre-cooked before being canned.

Storage

The storage rules are the same for broad beans and beans.  You should refrigerate fresh beans that are still in their pods and use them within a few days. Store the pods in a plastic bag while they are in the fridge.

Dried beans will last about a year if you store them in an airtight container and away from light, heat, and moisture.

Availability

If you consider buying these varieties of beans and incorporating them into your diet, keep in mind that it is better to buy fresh beans in August and September.

Look for tender, green pods. Take a bean out of the shell and check if it is stuffed.

Fresh beans are best in spring. When shopping for broad beans, be sure to look for plump, full, bright green pods.

Dried and frozen varieties of both broad beans and broad beans are available year-round, although most people prefer them fresh.

Can you substitute lima beans for broad beans?

You can substitute beans for beans and vice versa. However, when you do, keep in mind the differences in flavor of the two varieties of beans.

Because the fava beans are stronger than lima beans, they can overpower other ingredients in the recipe. And lima beans can make your dish taste milder.

Although the two are interchangeable in almost any dish, they are not the closest substitutes for each other.

Edamame is one of the best substitutes for lima beans. They have a similar flavor profile and cooking time. Therefore, using edamame instead of broad beans is very easy.