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Lima Beans Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to lima beans
About lima beans
Lima beans have a nutty, sweet flavor. Depending on where you live or shop, they are called butter beans because of their buttery texture and have a delicate flavor that works well with a wide variety of dishes. The lima bean has a flat pod with an oblong shape with a slight curve, and it averages about 3 inches in length. Each pod has about three kidney-shaped beans inside, which are the lima beans.
Lima beans are a good source of molybdenum, a component of the enzyme sulfite oxidase. This enzyme detoxifies sulfites, a type of preservative added to prepared foods. People who are sensitive to sulfites can experience headaches and a rapid heartbeat after eating them. Eating lima beans can add molybdenum to your system, which can help to fight the sulfites, so you don't experience the adverse effects after eating them.
Although the term lima bean and butter bean are used interchangeably in some areas, they are scientifically the same:
- Fordhook or Butter bean: These are the larger lima beans commonly eaten in the southern United States. They have a cream color and rich consistency. In most cases, you will find them dried.
- Madagascar bean: The Madagascar is smaller than the Butter bean, and it's green. It's sometimes called a baby lima and named after Lima, the capital of Peru.
Along with many other fruits and vegetables, lima beans contain trace amounts of a compound called linamarin, which breaks down into cyanide. In the United States, the levels of cyanide are very low, and in order for the bean to be harmful, it has to be chewed, which brings out the linamarin. Cooking the beans for just 5 for 10 minutes is all they need to become completely safe and edible.
How to pick out lima beans
Lima beans come canned, dried, frozen, and fresh. Fresh lima beans are usually found in their pod. Look for dark green pods that are plump and firm, with the best ones available during August and September. Make sure to look at the pod to make sure there is no spotting or yellowing. Avoid dried pods or any that are wilting. If you find shelled fresh lima beans, they should be plump with skins that have a green to greenish-white skin.
Preparing lima beans
The process for preparing lima beans prior to cooking depends on if they are fresh, dried, or frozen.
- Dried: You need to soak dried lima beans before cooking, but before you soak them, spread them out on the counter or a baking sheet and comb through them to remove small stones, debris, and any damaged beans. Rinse in a strainer under cool water. Place the beans in two to three cups of water and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat, cover, and let them sit for two hours. If you have time, skip the boiling and let to soak them overnight. Just add the washed beans to two cups of water and put them in the fridge for the night.
- Fresh: To shell fresh lima beans, break one of the tips and unzip the pod using the string. Split the seam with your fingernail, and remove the beans. Rinse the fresh beans in a colander under cold water. The best time to harvest fresh beans is during the green stage.
- Frozen: You don't need to rinse or sort frozen lima beans.
- Canned: Canned lima beans are already rinsed. They are ready to add to your recipe.
Lima Beans Near Me
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FAQs about lima beans
Fresh lima beans should be stored in their pods. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to two days. Once shelled, you can freeze the fresh lima beans if you want them to last. Blanch for two to four minutes, depending on their size, and then allow them to cool. Drain all the water and package in an airtight container, leaving 1/2-inch of space at the top. Frozen lima beans will keep in the freezer for up to six months.
Lima beans, like many other legumes, are very good for you. They are a good source of potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B. These beans are also loaded with protein and antioxidant compounds. Not only do lima beans provide many essential nutrients that your body needs, but they can also scrape cholesterol and help to remove it from the body. They also have enough magnesium to help regulate blood pressure, and the amount of protein they have helps to increase energy levels.
Instacart makes it easy to find lima beans, add them to your cart, and get them delivered, so you can continue with what you need to do for the day. Shop for lima beans using Instacart, whether you like them fresh, frozen, canned, or dried, and enjoy the convenience of having them delivered in as little a 2 hours!