Are they the same, or do these terms refer to different types of beans?
Get the answer once and for all.
Is There A Difference Between Butter Beans And Lima Beans?
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Turns out, lima beans and butter beans are the same thing.
They are usually dried.
While these different stages mean slightly different taste and color, they’re the same bean.
They are also called butter beans in the United Kingdom.
Everywhere else, they are called lima beans.
Where Do The Names Come From?
Why two terms for the same bean?
They do have a creamy, buttery texture when theyre cooked, so butter beans is a fitting moniker.
What Do Butter Beans And Lima Beans Taste Like?
Young beans are tender with a mild, sweet flavor and starchy texture that some consider mealy.
Use in other recipes or simply saute them in butter or oil.
Try these recipes that feature these beans.
Navy beans have a similar creamy texture and flavor to butter beans.
They are small white beans often used in soups.
Great Northern beans are a larger alternative.
N.C. State Extension.Phaseolus lunatus.
