There are a lot of types and varieties of beans, Lima beans occupy a special position. In another way, it is also called lima beans. This is a botanical species, which is also called oil beans. Its difference is precisely in the buttery-creamy taste of beans, with the same low fat content in the composition.
Distinctive features of lima beans
Lima beans can be distinguished by three main features:
- Buttery-creamy taste is just a visiting card of this species.
- The unusual shape of the beans – translated from Latin, the name sounds like a moon-shaped one. At the same time, on the outer shell of the beans there is a relief similar to a seashell. That is why it is sometimes called sea beans.
- The largest beans among other varieties. Although there is a slight exception in the form of the Baby Lima variety, its beans are much smaller, but still belong to the Lima species.
The origin of this variety has very deep roots. In the Andes, the mountains of South America, its appearance dates back to 2 thousand years BC. The small-seeded baby lima bean originated much later at the turn of the 7th and 8th centuries AD in Central America. Lima beans got their common name from the name of the capital of Peru, from where beans have been exported since the XNUMXth century.
Baby Lima beans
There are varieties of different shapes. Climbing or creeping plants reach a length of 1,8 meters to 15 meters. Also bush varieties from 30 cm to 60 cm. Pods are long, about 15 cm. Seeds grow up to 3 cm in length. The color of the beans can be quite varied, however, varieties with white and cream beans are more common.
Baby Lima beans are famous for their unusual taste and creamy structure of the inside of the bean, while the outer shell perfectly retains its shape when cooked. Having tried this product once, people remain its fans forever. Its creamy taste creates the illusion of fat content of the product, which is often lacking in plant foods.
Cultivation and care
Baby Lima beans love the sun, water and good nutrition, so you need to grow them in well-lit, fertile areas, ensure timely watering and top dressing.
Slightly hatched seeds are planted, in the absence of danger, in the form of frost. The plant absolutely does not tolerate them.
The soil should not dry out too much, but in cloudy weather there is a danger of flooding the plant. Therefore, it is necessary to water not according to the schedule, but taking into account all factors.
Top dressing needs nitrogen at first, and phosphorus-potassium at the initial stage of fruiting. Weeding and loosening the soil will not be superfluous at all. The plant does not differ in the abundance of the crop, the flowers bloom gradually one after another.
Harvest about 2 weeks after the appearance of the ovary. The beans should be slightly underripe. Fresh beans are immediately eaten. Dried ones are stored and consumed boiled. However, you can freeze or can the green beans.
Manufacture
Lima beans are still produced on an industrial scale abroad, however, in our country there is a large distribution brand that supplies cereals to Our Country. This is Mistral.
Lima beans from the Mistral company are distinguished by the high-quality selection of raw materials for packaging. Colored and white beans without debris and crumbled fragments. One to one in size and shape. Stylish and concise packaging indicating all the substances contained, as well as a description of the preparation method. Taste qualities correspond to the characteristics of the variety. All this is ensured by strict observance of all norms of the state quality standard.