Lima Bean Respect Day is celebrated in April each year in the United States and is a day to honor the humble lima bean. Lima beans are often overlooked as a boring or bland vegetable, but they are actually a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal. Lima Bean Respect Day is a chance to give this underappreciated vegetable the recognition it deserves, and to experiment with new recipes and cooking methods.

Lima beans are a type of legume that has been cultivated for thousands of years. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and other important nutrients, and are used in a variety of dishes around the world. The common lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) has been a staple food crop in many cultures around the world for thousands of years. The exact origin of the lima bean is unknown but it is believed to have originated in Central or South America. The earliest evidence of lima beans being cultivated dates back to 6500 B.C. in Peru. From Peru, the lima bean spread throughout the Americas, reaching Mexico and the Caribbean by the time of the first European explorers. The lima bean soon spread to Europe and the rest of the world. It was introduced to the United States in the 1700s and has since become a popular crop in many parts of the country. Today, the lima bean remains an important crop in Peru, Mexico, and the United States, among other countries. It is also a common ingredient in many global dishes, from salads and soups to stews and casseroles.

The earliest recorded recipe for Lima Beans that we could find dates back to 1845, in the book “The American Housewife: or The Cook and Housekeeper’s Complete and Universal Dictionary”. The recipe is for “Lima Bean Soup”. Here it is:

 

Ingredients:

3 quarts of Lima Beans

2 quarts of water

1 large onion

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Instructions:

1. Wash and soak the Lima Beans in the water overnight.
2. In the morning, drain off the soaking water and rinse the Beans.
3. Put the Beans in a pot with two quarts of fresh water and bring to a boil.
4. Simmer for 1-2 hours until the Beans are tender.
5. In a separate pan, melt the butter and sauté the onion until translucent.
6. Add the flour and stir until combined.
7. Add the cooked onion mixture to the pot of Beans and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Serve the Lima Bean Soup hot.

 

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the US Department of Agriculture, the US production of Lima beans totaled over 5 million pounds in 2018. Similarly, FAOSTAT, the official statistical agency of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, reports that the global production of Lima beans in 2018 was estimated to be over 12 million metric tons.

 

Here are some fun facts about lima beans:

• There are over 40 different varieties of Lima beans.
• Lima beans are also known as butter beans and are a staple in southern cuisine in the United States.
• Lima beans were domesticated in Peru over 7,000 years ago and were brought to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century.
• Lima beans are a good source of Plant-based protein, and are often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes.
• Lima beans are high in fiber, which can help with digestion and promote heart health.
• Lima beans are a good source of folate, a B-vitamin that is important for healthy fetal development during pregnancy.
• In some cultures, lima beans are considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
• The world record for the largest lima bean pod is held by a pod that measured over 8 inches long and contained 14 beans.

 

Lima beans can be boiled, baked, or fried, and are often used in stews, soups, and casseroles. They are also a popular ingredient in salads and dips. Lima Bean Respect Day is a great opportunity to explore the versatility and nutritional benefits of this unsung vegetable. Let us know how you show your respect for Lima Beans.