Broad beans, also known as fava beans, and butter beans, also known as lima beans, are both legumes enjoyed worldwide. They’re similar in some ways, but there are key differences in flavor, appearance, and texture.
Both beans are popular additions to cuisines around the world. Butter beans are popular in the Southern United States, and broad beans are thought to have originated in the Middle East.
This article compares broad beans vs butter beans across several categories:
- Flavor
- Appearance
- Texture
- Nutritional value
- Culinary uses
- Growing conditions
We’ll also touch on whether you can substitute one for the other and what you should consider if you’re thinking about growing either type of bean in your garden.
Whether you’re a home cook looking to expand your culinary horizons or a gardener planning your next crop, understanding the differences between these two beans can help you make the best choices for your needs.
Flavor Profiles: A Taste of Earth vs. Creamy Mildness
Broad beans and butter beans differ quite a bit in flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when you bite into each of these legumes.
Broad Bean (Fava Bean) Flavor Profile
Broad beans, also known as fava beans, have a distinct earthy, nutty, and even slightly cheesy taste. The flavor tends to intensify as the bean matures. Some varieties can even leave a slightly bitter aftertaste on your tongue.
Some people find that they really enjoy the taste of broad beans, while others consider it an acquired taste.
Butter Bean (Lima Bean) Flavor Profile
Butter beans, sometimes called lima beans, have a much milder, starchier flavor than broad beans. Their texture is often described as velvety or buttery, which contributes to the way we perceive their flavor. They’re much less intense than broad beans, and some varieties are even slightly sweet.
Factors Affecting Flavor
The flavors of both broad beans and butter beans can be affected by their growing conditions, the variety of bean, and the way they’re prepared.
Soil type and climate can have a big impact, as can cooking techniques. In general, you want to cook both kinds of beans until they’re tender but not mushy, and you may want to experiment with different herbs and spices to find the flavor combinations you like best.
Appearance: From Pod to Bean – Distinguishing Features
While both broad beans and butter beans are legumes encased in pods, their appearance differs quite a bit, from the pods themselves to the beans nestled inside.
Broad Bean (Fava Bean) Appearance
Broad bean pods, also called fava bean pods, have a bumpy texture. They’re typically 6 to 8 inches long and contain 3 to 6 seeds inside.
The beans themselves are large, flat, and usually green. They have a tough outer skin that’s often removed before cooking. The point where the seed attaches inside the pod looks different from what you’d see in a lima bean.
Butter Bean (Lima Bean) Appearance
Butter bean pods are smooth to the touch and generally smaller than broad bean pods, measuring around 3 to 4 inches long.
The beans are kidney-shaped or crescent-shaped, and they come in different colors, from white to green and even speckled. The seed attachment point is visibly different from that of a fava bean.
Visual Comparison
Here’s a quick visual comparison of broad beans and butter beans:
| Feature | Broad Bean | Butter Bean |
|---|---|---|
| Pod Texture | Bumpy | Smooth |
| Pod Length | 6-8 inches | 3-4 inches |
| Bean Shape | Flat | Kidney/Crescent |
Texture: Firmness vs. Creaminess
When it comes to texture, broad beans and butter beans offer very different experiences. One is firm and slightly chewy, while the other is creamy and almost melts in your mouth.
Broad Bean (Fava Bean) Texture
Broad beans, also known as fava beans, have a firmer texture than butter beans. They’re not quite as starchy, which contributes to their more substantial bite. If you overcook them, they can become a little mealy.
To get the smoothest texture from broad beans, it’s a good idea to remove the outer skin. This is especially true for larger, more mature beans. Blanching them briefly in boiling water makes the skin easier to slip off.
Butter Bean (Lima Bean) Texture
Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are known for their creamy, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture. This is because they’re more starchy than broad beans.
Be careful not to overcook butter beans, as they can quickly become mushy. A gentle simmer is usually all they need to reach that perfect creamy consistency.
A word of caution: Lima beans should never be eaten raw because they contain linamarin, a compound that can be toxic. Cooking is essential to break down the linamarin and make them safe to eat.
Nutritional Value: A Side-by-Side Comparison
So, how do these two beans stack up when it comes to nutrition? Let’s take a look at a side-by-side comparison:
Broad Bean (Fava Bean) Nutritional Profile (per 100g serving)
A 100g serving of broad beans contains approximately 187 calories, 33g of carbohydrates, 13g of protein, less than 1g of fat, and a whopping 9g of fiber. They’re also packed with nutrients!
Broad beans are especially high in folate, providing about 40% of the Daily Value (DV) in a 100g serving. They also contain significant amounts of manganese, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, iron, potassium, Vitamin B1, and zinc.
Butter Bean (Lima Bean) Nutritional Profile (per 100g serving)
Butter beans are also quite nutritious. A 100g serving contains around 209 calories, 40g of carbohydrates, 12g of protein, less than 1g of fat, and 9g of fiber.
Butter beans really shine when it comes to manganese, boasting a remarkable 92% of the DV per 100g serving! You’ll also find significant amounts of magnesium, copper, phosphorus, iron, potassium, Vitamin B1, and zinc.
Comparative Analysis
The biggest nutritional difference lies in the folate and manganese content. Broad beans are a much better source of folate, while butter beans are a manganese powerhouse. Both beans provide a similar amount of protein and fiber, making them excellent additions to a healthy diet.
It’s worth noting that both broad beans and butter beans contain antinutrients, which can interfere with nutrient absorption. However, cooking these beans thoroughly significantly reduces the levels of these antinutrients, making them easier for your body to digest and absorb.
Table of Nutritional Values (per 100g serving)
| Nutrient | Broad Bean (Fava Bean) | Butter Bean (Lima Bean) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 187 | 209 |
| Protein | 13g | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 40g |
| Fiber | 9g | 9g |
| Folate | 40% DV | Lower |
| Manganese | Lower | 92% DV |
Culinary Uses: Versatility in the Kitchen
Both broad beans and butter beans are incredibly versatile in the kitchen, lending themselves to a wide array of dishes and culinary techniques. Let’s explore their specific applications.
Broad Bean (Fava Bean) Culinary Applications
Young and tender broad beans can be eaten raw, adding a fresh, slightly bitter note to salads. More mature beans are typically cooked—steamed, stewed, or added to soups. Traditional dishes featuring broad beans abound, from a simple broad bean salad with lemon and olive oil to elegant broad bean and ricotta crostini. In the Middle East, you’ll find ful medames, a hearty stew of fava beans, spices, and olive oil.
Proper preparation is key to enjoying broad beans. Blanching and peeling the outer skin enhances their flavor and texture. Don’t overlook the young leaves and shoots, which can be used in salads or cooked like spinach.
Butter Bean (Lima Bean) Culinary Applications
Butter beans are equally versatile, shining in stews, salads, and dips. They can even stand in for starchy staples like potatoes or rice. Classic dishes include succotash, a Native American dish of corn and beans, and creamy butter bean mash, a comforting side dish. Try adding butter beans to vegetarian chili for extra heartiness or serving them as a simple side dish with herbs and butter.
Their creamy texture makes butter beans excellent for thickening soups and stews. They also puree beautifully into smooth and flavorful dips.
Regional Variations and Global Cuisine
Both broad beans and butter beans enjoy widespread use in diverse cuisines around the world. Broad beans are a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking, while butter beans are popular in the Americas and Southern Europe. Each region has its own unique dishes and culinary traditions that showcase these versatile legumes.
Availability and Storage: Fresh vs. Dried
If you’re looking for fresh beans, keep in mind that broad beans and butter beans have different seasons and levels of availability.
Broad Bean (Fava Bean) Availability
You’re most likely to find fresh broad beans in the late spring and summer. Dried broad beans are available year-round, and you may occasionally find them canned.
Butter Bean (Lima Bean) Availability
Fresh butter beans aren’t as easy to find as fresh broad beans. However, dried butter beans are widely available all year. You can also find them canned or frozen.
Storage Tips
If you buy fresh, unshelled beans, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Lima beans can be blanched and frozen. They’ll last about 3 months in the freezer.
Dried lima beans will last up to two years if you keep them in airtight containers.
Substitutions: When to Use What
Out of broad beans or butter beans? You can often substitute one for the other, although you may want to consider a few factors before you do.
Substituting Broad Beans
Broad beans can work as a substitute in many recipes. However, they have a distinctive, robust flavor that may mean you’ll want to adjust other flavors in the dish.
Edamame is a good substitute, particularly if you’re using the beans fresh. Green peas or romano beans can also work well.
Substituting Butter Beans
Kidney beans are a good substitute for butter beans, especially in stews and chili. You can also use cannellini beans or great northern beans.
Considerations for Substitution
When you’re thinking about swapping one bean for another, consider the flavor and texture you’re hoping to achieve. You may want to adjust the seasonings to make up for any flavor differences.
Growing broad beans and butter beans: A comparative guide
If you’re a home gardener, you might be wondering whether to plant broad beans or butter beans in your garden. Here’s a quick guide to the growing conditions for each.
Broad bean (fava bean) growing conditions
Broad beans are a cool-season crop, so they’re best planted in early spring or late summer in most areas. The ideal temperature for growing broad beans is between 65 and 80°F.
These beans usually take between 80 and 100 days to mature, so plan accordingly. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods.
Butter bean (lima bean) growing conditions
Butter beans, on the other hand, are a warm-season crop, thriving in temperatures between 70 and 80°F. It’s best to plant these after the last frost, when the soil has warmed up.
Butter beans have a slightly shorter growing time, typically maturing in 60 to 90 days. Like broad beans, they need well-drained soil, plenty of sunshine, and consistent watering.
Growing conditions at a glance
| Characteristic | Broad Bean (Fava Bean) | Butter Bean (Lima Bean) |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Cool | Warm |
| Optimal Temperature | 65-80°F | 70-80°F |
| Growing Time | 80-100 days | 60-90 days |
To Conclude
Broad beans and butter beans, while both nutritious and delicious legumes, have distinct personalities. Broad beans offer a slightly bitter, savory flavor and a firmer texture, while butter beans are known for their mild, buttery taste and creamy consistency. They also look different, and they have different growing needs.
Knowing these differences is crucial whether you’re planning a garden or deciding which bean to use in your next culinary creation. The right choice can elevate a dish, while the wrong one might leave you wanting.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bean you prefer is to try both! Experiment with different recipes and preparations to discover your favorites.
No matter which you choose, remember that legumes, in general, are nutritional powerhouses. They’re versatile, affordable, and packed with protein and fiber, making them a fantastic addition to any diet.