Difference Between Lima Beans and Butter Beans

The main difference between lima beans and butter beans is that lima beans are green and small whereas butter beans are yellow and large.

Lima beans and butter beans are two terms interchangeably used to describe Phaseolus lunatus, a type of beans. In U.K. and Southern U.S., these beans are called butter beans due to their similar consistency to butter.  Meanwhile, the rest of the world calls them limas. Generally, this type of beans is flat, chewy with a mild flavor. The color of the beans varies from pea-green to off-white.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Lima Beans
     – Definition, Geographical Entity, Significance
2. What are Butter Beans
     – Definition, Geographical Entity, Significance
3. What are the Similarities Between Lima Beans and Butter Beans
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Lima Beans and Butter Beans
     – Comparison of Key Differences

 Key Terms: Butter Beans, Color, Lima Beans,  Phaseolus lunatus, Shape

What are Lima Beans

Lima beans refer to flat, round beans that are light green in color and are eaten as a vegetable. The capital of Peru has been cultivating this bean for 7,000 years. In the 19^th century, these beans were introduced to the U.S. The majority of them now grow in California. Lima beans are flat and kidney-shaped. The color of the beans ranges from pale green to beige. The two main varieties of it are baby lima and Fordhook. The largest and most common variety is Fordhook. They resemble mature baby lima. However, these two are separate varieties. 

Figure 1: Fresh Lima Beans

These beans are one of the essential ingredients of succotash. Mature beans are mostly used in soups and stews such as Italian butter bean soup.

What are Butter Beans

Butter beans refer to a variety of lima beans with large, flat, white seeds. Generally, people in the South America and U.K., call these beans as butter beans rather than lima beans. Therefore, they differ from lima beans by the name. 

Figure 2: Butter Beans

Wax beans, chad beans, and Madagascar beans are the other names for lima beans, apart from butter beans.  

Similarities Between Lima Beans and Butter Beans

• Lima beans and butter beans are two terms used interchangeably to describe Phaseolus lunatus.
• Both are flat, chewy with a mild flavor.
• The color of both types of beans varies from pea-green to off-white.
• They are rich in proteins.
• Most beans are sold as dried or canned versions.

Difference Between Lima Beans and Butter Beans

Definition

Lima Beans: Flat, round beans that are light green in color and are eaten as a vegetable.

Butter Beans: A variety of lima beans with large, flat, white seeds

Color and Shape

Lima Beans: Green and small

Butter Beans: Yellow and large

Based on Geography

Lima Beans: Name used in rest of the world

Butter Beans: Name used in U.K. and Southern U.S.

Conclusion

Lima beans are green in color and they are small. However, butter beans are lighter in color and they are generally large. Nevertheless, both lima beans and butter beans are two separate names for the beans of  Phaseolus lunatus.

Reference:

1. “Lima Beans.” The World’s Healthiest Foods, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1. “Lima beans fresh” By David E Mead – Own work (CC0) via Commons wikimedia
2. “Phaseoulus lunatus” By Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0) via Common Wikimedia