Lima beans are among the most popular shell beans in the United States. These smooth, flat shaped, sweet tasting beans have a rich, starchy, meaty texture and a creamy, distinctive flavor.

Lima beans are nutrient-dense and their richness generates feelings of satiety (they make you feel full).

Often referred to in some southern states in the U.S. as "butter beans," lima beans date back to 5,000 BC along the coastal regions of South America. They are believed to have originated in Guatemala and Southern Mexico and were traded along routes that led into North America, and eventually were carried to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Early explorers stored dry lima beans for long periods on their ships, recognizing that lima beans were a nutritious and highly concentrated food source for the sailors.

North Carolina Lima Bean Growers/Shipper List

Cooling/Storage Requirements of North Carolina Lima Beans