Name Variations Edit - Butter beans - Madagascar bean Lima beans
originated in Peru and have been grown there since 6000 B.C. The
name lima bean comes from the capital city of Peru, Lima. Lima
beans are often nicknamed chad beans or butter beans. In the
southern part of the United States, lima beans are almost always
called butter beans, even in markets and restaurants. There are
two distinct varieties of lima-the Ford hook and the Baby Lima
(and Ford hooks are not adult baby limas). Both are pale green,
plump-bodied and have a slight kidney-shape curve. The Ford hook
is larger and plumper than the baby lima. It also has a fuller
flavor than its smaller relative. They're usually sold in their
pods, which should be plump, firm and dark green. The pods can
be refrigerated in a plastic bag for up to a week. They should
be shelled just before using. Frozen lima beans are available
year-round and are labeled according to variety (Ford hook or
baby). Canned and dried limas are usually labeled jumbo, large
or small,