What Is Another Name for Butter Beans? All You Need to Know

A hearty butter bean stew with tomatoes, vegetables, and herbs in a rustic ceramic bowl.
A warm and comforting butter bean stew packed with flavor and fresh vegetables.

Butter beans are a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world, loved for their creamy texture and mild flavor. However, their name often leads to confusion because they are referred to differently depending on the region, size, or maturity of the bean. So, what is another name for butter beans? The most common alternative name is lima beans, but there are also other regional and culinary terms used to describe this versatile legume.

In this article, we’ll explore the various names for butter beans, the origins of their terminology, and how they are used in cooking. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of these beans and their place in the culinary world.

The Origin of Butter Beans

Butter beans, or lima beans, have a rich history that dates back thousands of years. They are believed to have originated in Central and South America, specifically in Peru, where they have been cultivated for over 4,000 years.

Why Are They Called Lima Beans?

The name “lima beans” comes from the capital city of Peru, Lima, where the beans were first exported to Europe and other parts of the world in the 1500s. European explorers brought these beans back from their travels, and they quickly became a staple ingredient in various global cuisines.

Why Are They Called Butter Beans?

The name “butter beans” is more commonly used in the Southern United States and the United Kingdom. This term refers to the beans’ buttery texture and rich, creamy flavor when cooked, especially for the larger, mature variety of the bean.

Common Names for Butter Beans

Depending on where you are in the world or the size of the bean, butter beans may be referred to by several other names:

  1. Lima Beans: The most widely used alternative name, especially in North and South America.
  2. Sieva Beans: A term often used for smaller, younger lima beans that are tender and mild in flavor.
  3. Double Beans: In parts of India, butter beans are sometimes called double beans, particularly in vegetarian dishes.
  4. Large White Beans: A generic name for mature, cream-colored lima beans, especially in European markets.
  5. Chad Beans: A less common name used in certain regions of the Southern United States.

These names often reflect local preferences, bean maturity, or even their culinary use. Despite the variety of terms, all these names refer to the same bean species: Phaseolus lunatus.

Butter Beans vs Lima Beans – Are They the Same?

Butter beans and lima beans often cause confusion because they refer to the same bean, but their names depend on factors such as regional terminology, size, and maturity. Below, we clarify the differences and similarities to remove any lingering doubts.

Butter Beans vs Lima Beans: The Similarities

  1. Same Species
    Both butter beans and lima beans come from the same plant species: Phaseolus lunatus. This means they share the same nutritional profile, texture, and cooking properties.
  2. Flavor and Texture
    When cooked, both beans have a creamy, buttery texture and a mild, slightly nutty flavor. This unique quality makes them ideal for recipes like stews, salads, and dips.
  3. Forms Available
    Both butter beans and lima beans are available in:
  • Fresh pods (when in season)
  • Dried beans (requiring soaking and cooking)
  • Canned beans (pre-cooked for convenience)
  • Frozen beans (ready to boil or steam)

Key Differences Between Butter Beans and Lima Beans

While they are essentially the same, a few differences set them apart:

1. Name Variations

  • The term “butter beans” is more common in the Southern United States and the United Kingdom.
  • “Lima beans” is widely used in North America, Latin America, and internationally.

2. Size and Maturity

  • Baby Lima Beans: Smaller, younger beans that are tender and light green in color.
  • Butter Beans: Larger, fully mature beans that are cream-colored with a meatier texture.

This distinction is why the name “butter beans” often refers to the larger, creamier variety of lima beans.

3. Culinary Applications

  • Baby Lima Beans: Commonly used in lighter dishes, such as fresh salads, soups, or sautés.
  • Butter Beans: Ideal for hearty dishes like stews, casseroles, dips, or creamy side dishes because of their richer texture.

Why Do Butter Beans Have Different Names?

The name variations are primarily due to regional preferences and how these beans are used in cooking:

  1. In the United States:
    • Southern cuisine popularized the name “butter beans” because of their creamy, buttery consistency.
    • In Northern and Western parts of the U.S., the name “lima beans” is more commonly used.
  2. In the United Kingdom:
    • The term “butter beans” is standard, especially when referring to the larger, dried variety of the bean.
  3. Globally:
    • Countries in Latin America and Asia often refer to them as lima beans, given their historical roots in Peru.
    • In India, they may also be called double beans in certain dishes.

The diversity in naming simply reflects cultural usage and local preferences rather than any actual difference in the beans themselves.

Culinary Uses of Butter Beans

Butter beans are a versatile ingredient that works beautifully in everything from light salads to hearty stews. Their creamy texture and mild flavor make them ideal for simple, quick meals or more complex dishes. Here are the most popular culinary uses of butter beans.

A colorful butter bean salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and parsley.
A light and refreshing butter bean salad topped with a zesty lemon dressing.

1. Soups and Stews

Butter beans are excellent for soups and stews as they absorb flavors and add a satisfying heartiness.

  • Classic Butter Bean Stew: Simmer butter beans with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and smoked paprika for a comforting dish.
  • Vegetable Soup: Add butter beans to vegetable broth with carrots, celery, and greens like spinach.
  • Butter Bean and Sausage Stew: Pair the beans with sausage and herbs for a one-pot meal.

Tip: Substitute butter beans for cannellini or navy beans in your favorite soup recipes.

2. Butter Bean Salads

Butter beans add protein and texture to salads, making them a perfect choice for quick, fresh meals.

  • Mediterranean Salad: Mix butter beans with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and olive oil.
  • Butter Bean and Feta Salad: Combine the beans with spinach, roasted peppers, and balsamic dressing.
  • Warm Salad: Sauté butter beans with garlic, kale, and a splash of vinegar for a hearty side.

Serving Idea: Butter bean salads pair perfectly with grilled meats or fish for a balanced meal.

3. Dips and Spreads

Butter beans work as an excellent base for creamy dips, offering a healthy alternative to chickpeas.

  • Butter Bean Hummus: Blend butter beans with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for a smooth dip.
  • Garlic Dip: Puree the beans with roasted garlic and herbs for a flavorful appetizer.
  • Spicy Spread: Add chili flakes and cumin to mashed butter beans for a bold kick.

Tip: Enjoy butter bean dips with pita bread, vegetable sticks, or as a sandwich spread.

4. Side Dishes

Butter beans make for delicious, creamy sides that complement any main course.

  • Garlic Butter Beans: Sauté with garlic, olive oil, parsley, and lemon juice.
  • Creamy Mash: Mash butter beans with vegetable broth and olive oil for a nutritious substitute for mashed potatoes.
  • With Greens: Toss butter beans with sautéed spinach, kale, or collard greens for added nutrients.

Tip: Add cream, butter, or nutritional yeast to enhance richness and flavor.

5. Mains and Casseroles

Butter beans can shine as the star of a meal, especially in casseroles, curries, and baked dishes.

  • Butter Bean Curry: Simmer butter beans in a coconut milk-based sauce with curry spices and tomatoes.
  • Casserole: Bake butter beans with root vegetables, herbs, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
  • Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with butter beans, rice, veggies, and spices, then bake until tender.

How to Identify Butter Beans in Stores

When shopping for butter beans, you might encounter some confusion due to the variety of names and forms they come in. Here’s how to easily identify butter beans in stores and understand what to look for.

1. Names Used for Butter Beans

As we’ve already covered, butter beans are also commonly called lima beans. Depending on the region and the store, you may see them labeled differently:

  • Butter Beans: Common in the United Kingdom and Southern United States, particularly for the larger, cream-colored beans.
  • Lima Beans: Widely used in North America and Latin America for both small (baby lima beans) and large varieties.
  • Sieva Beans: Found in some specialty or international markets, often referring to smaller, tender lima beans.
  • Double Beans: Common in India, where they’re used in curries and vegetarian dishes.

2. Forms of Butter Beans in Stores

Butter beans are available in various forms, which makes them versatile and easy to include in recipes. Here are the most common types you’ll find:

Fresh Butter Beans

  • Found in farmers’ markets or grocery stores during their harvest season (late summer to early fall).
  • Fresh butter beans are light green and still in their pods.
  • How to Identify: Look for plump, firm pods with no signs of drying or wilting.

Tip: Fresh butter beans require shelling and quick cooking (boiling or steaming).

Dried Butter Beans

  • Dried butter beans are cream-colored, large, and oval-shaped.
  • They’re often sold in the dried beans section, packaged in clear bags or boxes.
  • How to Identify: Look for beans labeled “large white lima beans” or “butter beans”.

Cooking Tip: Dried butter beans need to be soaked for 8–12 hours before cooking to achieve their creamy texture.

Canned Butter Beans

  • The most convenient form of butter beans, as they are pre-cooked and ready to use.
  • They’re often labeled as “butter beans” or “lima beans” and are packed in water or brine.
  • How to Identify: Check the label for “butter beans” or “lima beans” and look for BPA-free cans if possible.

Tip: Always rinse canned butter beans to remove excess sodium and starchy liquid.

Frozen Butter Beans

  • Frozen butter beans are pre-shelled and partially cooked, making them quick and easy to prepare.
  • They’re found in the frozen vegetable section of most grocery stores.
  • How to Identify: Look for labeled bags with images of light green or cream-colored beans.

Cooking Tip: Frozen butter beans require boiling or steaming for 8–10 minutes before serving.

3. Butter Bean Labels and Packaging

To avoid confusion when shopping for butter beans, pay close attention to the following:

  1. Label Names: Check for terms like “butter beans,” “large lima beans,” or “sieva beans.”
  2. Bean Size: Larger beans are often labeled as butter beans, while smaller ones may be sold as baby lima beans.
  3. Packaging: Look for clear packaging, especially for dried beans, to ensure the beans are uniform in size and color.

4. Where to Buy Butter Beans

Butter beans are widely available and can be purchased in the following places:

  • Supermarkets: Found in the dried beans, canned goods, or frozen vegetable sections.
  • Farmers’ Markets: Fresh butter beans are often sold during their peak season.
  • Health Food Stores: Organic and specialty butter beans are often available.
  • Online Retailers: Dried, canned, or frozen butter beans can be ordered from stores like Amazon or other grocery delivery services.

Tip: For the best flavor and texture, opt for dried or fresh butter beans over canned versions when time permits.

Nutritional Benefits of Butter Beans

Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients that can significantly contribute to a healthy diet. Whether you’re looking to improve your heart health, increase your protein intake, or simply add more fiber to your meals, butter beans are a powerhouse of nutrition.

1. Rich Source of Plant-Based Protein

Butter beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them ideal for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking to reduce meat consumption.

  • Protein Content: One cup (170g) of cooked butter beans provides approximately 14 grams of protein.
  • Why It Matters: Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and keeping you feeling full longer.

2. High in Dietary Fiber

Butter beans are packed with dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health and overall well-being.

  • Fiber Content: One cup of butter beans contains about 7–8 grams of fiber.
  • Health Benefits:
    • Supports healthy digestion and prevents constipation.
    • Helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of glucose.
    • Promotes satiety, which can aid in weight management.

Tip: Pair butter beans with whole grains like quinoa or brown rice for a high-fiber, balanced meal.

3. Loaded with Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Butter beans are rich in essential vitamins and minerals that play a vital role in maintaining a healthy body:

  • Iron: Essential for red blood cell production and preventing fatigue.
  • Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart function.
  • Magnesium: Promotes bone health, muscle relaxation, and energy production.
  • Folate (Vitamin B9): Crucial for cell growth and development, especially during pregnancy.
  • Zinc: Supports immune function and wound healing.

Did You Know? Just one cup of butter beans provides about 20% of your daily potassium needs.

4. Low in Fat and Calories

Butter beans are naturally low in fat and calories, making them an excellent option for healthy, balanced meals:

  • Calories: A one-cup serving contains approximately 200 calories.
  • Fat: Very low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

This makes butter beans perfect for those looking to manage their calorie intake while staying full and satisfied.

5. Heart-Healthy Benefits

Butter beans support heart health in several ways:

  • High in Fiber: Helps reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, which lowers the risk of heart disease.
  • Rich in Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure by balancing sodium levels in the body.
  • Low in Saturated Fat: Minimizes unhealthy fats that contribute to cardiovascular issues.

Tip: Incorporate butter beans into your diet as a substitute for meat in hearty stews and curries to enjoy their heart-friendly benefits.

6. Great for Blood Sugar Management

Butter beans have a low glycemic index (GI), meaning they cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels:

  • The high fiber content helps slow down the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream, making butter beans a good choice for individuals with diabetes or anyone looking to stabilize energy levels.

Pro Tip: Add butter beans to salads, soups, or stews for a balanced, blood sugar-friendly meal.

7. Supports Weight Management

Because butter beans are high in protein and fiber, they help keep you full longer, reducing the urge to overeat. This makes them an ideal addition to weight-loss diets:

  • Filling and Satisfying: Meals that include butter beans promote satiety and reduce cravings.
  • Low in Calories: They allow you to enjoy a substantial portion without consuming excessive calories.

Tip: Replace high-calorie ingredients like cream or cheese with mashed butter beans in sauces and dips for a lighter, nutritious alternative.

Why Butter Beans Deserve a Place in Your Kitchen

With their impressive nutritional profile and versatility, butter beans offer numerous health benefits:

  • High Protein and Fiber: For digestive health, weight management, and energy.
  • Packed with Minerals: Including iron, potassium, and magnesium for overall well-being.
  • Low in Calories and Fat: Making them a guilt-free addition to meals.

Whether you use them in salads, soups, stews, or dips, butter beans are a wholesome, affordable, and nutrient-rich food worth incorporating into your daily diet.

FAQ: Butter Beans – Names, Benefits, and Recipes

1. What is another name for butter beans?
Butter beans are also commonly known as lima beans. This name comes from the capital city of Peru, where the beans were first exported. If you’re curious about the differences and origins, check out our guide: Are lima beans and butter beans the same?.

2. Are butter beans healthy for you?
Yes, butter beans are extremely healthy! They’re packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron, potassium, and magnesium. They’re low in fat and calories, making them ideal for a balanced diet. Learn more about their health benefits in Are butter beans healthy for you?.

3. What are some easy butter bean recipes I can try?
Butter beans are versatile and can be used in soups, stews, salads, dips, and side dishes. Whether you want a hearty butter bean stew or a fresh butter bean salad, we have plenty of ideas in our list of butter bean recipes.

4. How do I cook dried butter beans?
To cook dried butter beans, soak them for 8–12 hours (or overnight), then simmer them in fresh water for about 40–60 minutes until tender. Adding aromatics like garlic, bay leaves, or onion during cooking enhances their flavor.

5. Can butter beans replace other beans in recipes?
Yes, butter beans can substitute for cannellini beans, navy beans, or chickpeas in most recipes. Their creamy texture and mild flavor make them a great addition to soups, casseroles, and dips.

6. Where can I buy butter beans?
Butter beans can be found in most grocery stores, sold as dried, canned, or frozen. Look for names like “large lima beans” or “butter beans” on the packaging.

Conclusion: Discover the Versatility and Benefits of Butter Beans

Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can elevate any dish. Whether you use them in hearty stews, refreshing salads, or creamy dips, butter beans offer a delicious combination of flavor, texture, and health benefits. Their high protein and fiber content make them perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based options into their meals.

If you’ve ever wondered “What is another name for butter beans?” or questioned their nutritional value, you now know that these beans are not only healthy but also widely known as lima beans.

No matter what you call them—butter beans or lima beans—one thing is certain: they are a must-have staple in every kitchen!