Why Are Some Lima Beans Green And Others White?

Lima beans, also known as butter beans, are a delicious and nutritious legume that comes in a variety of colors. However, the most common lima bean varieties are green and white. So what causes this color difference, and does it impact the bean’s taste or nutrition?

The Science Behind Lima Bean Color

The main factor that determines lima bean color is the age and maturity of the bean. Specifically:

Young, immature lima beans are green in color. This green hue comes from chlorophyll, the pigment that allows photosynthesis to occur.
As lima beans mature and ripen on the vine, they lose chlorophyll and take on a pale white or cream color.

So in essence green lima beans are younger while white lima beans are older and more fully developed. The young beans are harvested early before the chlorophyll breaks down while mature white beans are left longer on the vine.

Other Factors Impacting Color

While age accounts for the basic color difference between green and white lima beans, other factors can cause subtle variations:

Growing conditions Soil quality, sunlight exposure temperature, and rainfall can all impact the exact shade of green or white.
Cultivar: The specific lima bean variety plays a role. Some cultivars are bred to maintain darker green pigment for longer.
Harvesting and storage: How and when the beans are harvested and how they are stored and packaged can accelerate or prevent chlorophyll breakdown.

Soil nutrients, weather patterns, genetics, and post-harvest handling can all contribute to the ultimate color that ends up on your plate.

Does Color Affect Flavor or Nutrition?

Good news – the color of lima beans has little impact on their nutritional value or flavor!

Green and white lima beans have very similar:

Calorie and macronutrient profiles
Vitamin and mineral content
Fiber content
Protein content
Taste and texture

So you can enjoy both varieties knowing the color difference is simply cosmetic and not an indicator of nutrition. Both provide benefits like:

High fiber
Low glycemic index
Iron, magnesium, potassium
Plant-based protein
B-vitamins like folate

Culinary Uses for Green vs White

In the kitchen, cooks often define preferences for green or white lima beans based on dish or preparation style.

White lima beans tend to be preferred for:

Purées, dips, and spreads
Thick soups and chowders
Casseroles and pot pies

Their more delicate texture integrates seamlessly into these dishes.

Green lima beans are often used for:

Salads, sides, and sautés
Succotash
Hearty bean soups and stews

Their firmer bite stands up to mixing and retains vibrancy when cooked.

But these are flexible guidelines – both work well in a wide array of recipes! Feel free to swap one for the other.

How To Buy Peak Freshness

To enjoy lima beans at their best, opt for fresh green or white beans in season. When buying:

Choose plump, smooth, firm pods with no splits or blemishes
Avoid dried out or mushy beans
Store fresh beans in pods in the refrigerator up to 5 days
Rinse before opening pods to cook beans inside

Dried lima beans are a handy pantry staple too. With all varieties – check for expiry dates and signs of moisture or insect damage.

The Takeaway

While we often separate green vs white lima beans, they actually come from the very same plant! Their color simply comes down to age and maturity at harvest. Beyond appearance, both offer similar culinary versatility, nutrition, and delicious bean flavor. With minimal impact on taste or health benefits, you can enjoy any lima beans your heart desires!

why are some lima beans green and others white

Which Should You Be Growing | Lima Beans OR Butter Beans

FAQ

What is the difference between green and white lima beans?

As a matter of fact, our Large Lima Beans packaging actually states Butter Beans in parentheses, just to clarify. The younger green-hued beans are often called Green Baby Limas and are more tender than their larger counterparts. Despite that, all varieties come from the same plant.

Is there a difference between lima beans and baby lima beans?

The smaller, pale green lima beans also have a number of nicknames: baby limas, sieva beans, Caroline beans, civet, seewee, and sivvy. Baby limas and green baby limas are considered milder and less starchy than large lima beans, which have an earthy flavor.

Can you eat white lima beans?

White lima beans are popular in the Southern U.S., where the smaller varieties are known as “butter beans.” If you’re from the South, you know how wonderful Limas can be, and our freshly dried beans are delicious.

What color should lima beans be?

Lima beans are large, flat, kidney-shaped edible seeds in the bean family. The seeds are generally cream or light green in color, although certain varieties feature colors such as white, purple, brown and black.