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Christmas Lima beans are tucked inside of a wide, curved and flat roughly four-inch green pod speckled with earth brown tones. The pod is easily opened at its stringless seam, revealing three tender and semi-succulent creamy white beans that are variegated with raspberry colored patterns. Eventually the beans will harden and dry, their coloring reversing, with more of the beans' surface covered with tones of burgundy with white speckles. The flavor of Christmas Lima beans is buttery, sweet and reminiscent of chestnuts.
Seasons/Availability
Christmas Lima beans are appropriately available from fall to late winter.
Current Facts
Christmas Lima beans, Phaseolus lunatus, are defined in culinary terms, as a legume, their appearance as a pole bean merely serving the purpose of the pod securing the beans inside through maturity. Unlike snap beans, the pod is not eaten. Christmas Limas are an heirloom variety of Lima beans, their place within the commercial market quite rare, especially because they are mainly grown as a fresh shelling bean and most legumes are grown and processed as a dry or canned bean.
Applications
Christmas Lima beans do not require soaking. They can be simply rinsed prior to preparation. They can be treated as a fresh shelling bean or a dry bean, thus their cooking time will vary depending on their age. Christmas Lima beans compliment a variety of flavors and dishes from season to region. Hearty Winter stews, spicy soups and bright, fresh Spring salads are each enhanced by Christmas Lima beans' buttery texture and nutty flavor. Christmas Limas are rich enough to stand up to curries and chiles, indulgent meats such as lamb and pork. They can also be prepared simply with the addition of olive oil, fresh herbs such as mint, cilantro and basil. Perfect companion ingredients include garlic, forest mushrooms and fresh hulled corn along with cheeses like feta and gorgonzola.
Geography/History
Christmas Lima beans were named for Lima, Peru, the capital city that they were first cultivated in the 19th Century, although their exact origins are unknown. Christmas Limas perform best in similar climates that other pole beans thrive in. Their growing season is boosted by warm soil, arid climates and long sunny days. Regions throughout the Americas create abundant harvests of the Christmas Lima bean, though their commercial recognition is nearly obsolete. They have actually been listed as an endangered heirloom vegetable variety, at risk of becoming void of the food chain - this status is designed to promote and encourage the Christmas Lima to be grown by farmers and gardeners, to ensure they remain in production and in turn continue to be appreciated by consumers for decades and centuries to come.
Farmers Market Santa Monica
Arizona Ave & 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
https://www.santamonica.gov/categories/programs/farmers-market
CHRISTMAS LIMA BEANS at Santa Monica Farmers Market…..Christmas Lima Beans have a creamy white appearance with raspberry-colored patterns inside their green pods. As they dry, the beans reverse in coloring, becoming burgundy with white speckles. Their flavor is rich and buttery, with a sweetness akin to chestnuts, making them a distinct choice for culinary dishes. Pods are about four inches long and stringless, allowing easy access to the beans inside.
Two Peas In a Pod
Christmas Lima Beans from Two Peas In a Pod…..Christmas Lima Beans have a buttery texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes. They are versatile and do not require soaking before cooking. They complement hearty winter stews, spicy soups, and fresh spring salads. Ideal pairings include garlic, forest mushrooms, mint, cilantro, basil, and rich cheeses like feta or gorgonzola, making them a delicious addition to any recipe.
2 Peas In a Pod
Christmas Lima Shelling Beans…..Christmas Lima beans are an heirloom variety of Phaseolus lunatus, primarily grown as fresh shelling beans rather than processed as dry or canned beans. Their rarity in the commercial market is partly due to the fact that they are not typically consumed like snap beans; their pods serve only to secure the beans as they mature, and the pods themselves are not eaten.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock Street
619-295-3172 [email protected]
Christmas Lima beans were first cultivated in the 19th century in Lima, Peru, though their exact origins remain a mystery. They thrive in warm soils, arid climates, and sunny days, making them ideal for regions where pole beans typically flourish. Despite their rich history, they are considered an endangered heirloom variety, encouraging farmers and gardeners to grow them to ensure they remain part of the food chain for future generations.
Two Peas in a Pod
Christmas Lima beans are housed in a four-inch flat green pod with earth brown speckles. Inside, the beans are creamy white with raspberry patterns that reverse as they dry, turning burgundy with white speckles. Their sweet, buttery taste resembles chestnuts, adding unique, rich flavors to dishes while showcasing vibrant aesthetics both fresh and dried.
Two Peas in a Pod
Christmas Lima beans are versatile and don't require pre-soaking before cooking. Their buttery texture and nutty flavor elevate hearty winter stews, spicy soups, and fresh spring salads. They complement indulgent meats like lamb and pork, as well as bright herbs such as mint or cilantro. Try pairing them with garlic, forest mushrooms, fresh corn, or cheeses like feta and gorgonzola for a delightful dish.
Christmas Lima beans are an heirloom variety of Phaseolus lunatus, primarily grown as fresh shelling beans rather than processed into dry or canned forms. Their pods are distinct from snap beans because they're not consumed, serving solely to protect the beans during growth. Known for their rarity in the commercial market, these pole beans exhibit unique culinary qualities as legumes.
Laurie Nichols
1358
Deer Canyon Rd Arroyo Grande CA 93420
+18058013370 [email protected]
Christmas Lima Beans were originally cultivated in Lima, Peru. Thriving in warm soil, arid climates, and sunny days, they're well-suited to regions across the Americas. However, they are considered an endangered heirloom vegetable, meaning they're at risk of fading from the food chain. This status aims to encourage farmers and gardeners to grow them, safeguarding their future and ensuring continued appreciation by consumers for generations.
Laurie Nichols
1358
Deer Canyon Rd Arroyo Grande CA 93420
+18058013370 [email protected]
Christmas Lima beans: Inside their easily-opened speckled green pods, you'll find tender, creamy white beans decorated with raspberry-colored patterns. As they dry, the colors reverse into burgundy tones with white speckles. These beans offer a buttery and sweet flavor reminiscent of chestnuts, making them a delightful addition to your palate's festive treats.
Laurie Nichols
1358
Deer Canyon Rd Arroyo Grande CA 93420
+18058013370 [email protected]
Christmas Lima beans are versatile and do not require soaking before cooking. Their buttery texture and nutty flavor pair well with a wide variety of ingredients, including olive oil, fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, garlic, and cheeses such as feta and gorgonzola. They shine in hearty Winter stews, spicy soups, and fresh Spring salads, and are rich enough to complement indulgent meats, curries, and chiles.
is easiest, three is harder.
