Legume
Butter Bean
A tier
Butter bean is the Southern US and British trade name often used for limas—especially pale creamy beans in stews and on Sunday tables. In some regions butter bean means large white limas specifically. Expect creamy starch and gentle flavour. Slow cook with aromatics; finish with butter or pot liquor traditions. Name signals comfort food more than a unique species. Fully cook for safety and texture.
Track this ingredient
Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
SaladSideSouthern Stew
Traits
ButteryComfortComfortingCreamyPaleRegional Name
History
US
Southern US cookery cemented butter bean as beloved lima cookery.
GB
British usage of butter bean for pale limas entered grocery language.
Butter beans featured in both soul food and modern café salads.