Legume

Phaseolus lunatus

A tier

Phaseolus lunatus is the lima/butter bean species—flat seeds, buttery texture, from small baby limas to large Christmas and gigantes-style beans. Tropical New World origins; careful cooking until fully tender is essential. Flavour is mild, starchy-creamy, and distinct from common beans. Simmer gently; avoid underdone limas. Fresh green limas are a summer vegetable; dry limas are pantry pulses. Species covers butter bean trade names in many dialects.