Fava Beans vs. Lima Beans: What’s the Difference?

Finding it impossible to distinguish between fava beans vs. lima beans and decide which one is right for your recipe?

We get it. It’s not always easy to distinguish between fava beans and lima beans, especially since they are both legumes with a (typically) green color. 

But fear not! We’re here to break down the differences between these two nutritious beans and explore the distinct flavor profiles, textures, and cooking requirements that set them apart. 

So read on for our detailed guide to fava beans vs. lima beans!

A Quick Comparison of Fava Beans and Lima Beans

Fava Beans vs. Lima Beans: Taste, Texture, and Appearance

Understanding the differences between fava and lima beans’ appearance, flavor, and texture profiles is crucial if you’re trying to choose between the two for a dish. 

By learning about these subtle yet significant distinctions, you’ll be equipped to choose the right bean for your culinary creations based on the taste, mouthfeel, and presentation you desire.

Flavor

Fava beans are typically described as having a rich, buttery, and nutty flavor, especially when eaten fresh. But your palate may detect some slight bitterness from this legume. 

Additionally, fava beans have a cheesy undertone and earthy notes that add depth to different recipes.

In contrast, lima beans (also known as butter beans) have a milder flavor profile than fava beans, although they do maintain a nutty and earthy taste. This is why they’re ideal for recipes that call for a subtler bean flavor.

They are also sweeter and starchier than fava beans.

Texture

If you're expecting a firmer bite, fava beans are your go-to. They maintain a more robust texture after cooking, which offers a satisfying chew. 

On the other hand, lima beans are ideal for those who are looking for something softer. They become quite tender when cooked, heading toward a creamy consistency.

Appearance

Fava beans and lima beans are both found in green pods. 

However, the beans vary in color; fava beans can be green, yellow, white, or brown, while lima beans can be light green, off-white, tan, brown, purple, or black. 

The two also differ in shape. Lima beans are flat, wide, and moon- or kidney-shaped, and they often lose their shape when they’re cooked. 

Meanwhile, fava beans are flat, oval, and often bumpy. Plus, they’re more capable of holding their shape after cooking.

Fava Beans vs. Lima Beans: Available Forms 

Both fava beans and lima beans are available in fresh, dried, frozen, or canned forms. 

Now when they’re available and how they’re prepared and consumed depends on the form you prefer. 

So let’s explore each one below!

Fresh

Love fresh beans? Well, note that fresh fava beans are typically sold during the spring and summer months, while fresh lima beans are in season during the late spring to autumn months.  

As for their preparation, both types need to be shelled, blanched, and peeled before you cook them. 

How do you do this? Here’s the method for prepping fresh fava beans:

1. Tear off the tip of the pod.
2. Remove the pod’s attached string by pulling it down.
3. Open the pod and use your thumb to pop the beans out.
4. Boil the beans in a pot of salted water for 30 seconds to one minute.
5. Remove the beans from the boiling water and transfer them to a bowl with ice and water. 
6. Once cooled, peel the skin off the beans. 

And here’s the right technique for prepping fresh lima beans:

1. Gently twist the pod until it opens. Alternatively, you can press on one or two ends of the pod until it opens. If you’re uncertain about this step, you can open the pod manually with a knife.    
2. Let the beans pop out on their own, or scoop them once the pod is open. 
3. Boil the beans in water for a couple of minutes; small ones should be boiled for about two minutes, medium ones for three minutes, and large ones for four minutes. 
4. Drain the pot and transfer the beans to a bowl with ice and water
5. Peel the skin off the beans.

Pro tip: You don’t always have to peel your beans (particularly lima beans), especially when you’re working on a tight cooking schedule. 

Nonetheless, doing so will improve the texture of your lima beans significantly and help remove some of the bitterness of fava beans.

Dried

Now if you want to enjoy both types of legumes year-round, you can always go for dried, canned, or frozen varieties. These also typically require less prep than fresh beans. 

That said, dried fava beans and lima beans need to be soaked before cooking. 

You can soak both overnight or for eight hours to cut down on your cooking time. 

Frozen

The good news is you won’t need to thaw frozen fava and lima beans if you want to cook them; you can boil them right away. 

But if you want to eat fava beans raw as a snack or in salads, thaw them overnight before serving. 

Pro tip: While fresh beans offer the most distinctive burst of flavor and the highest amount of nutrients, frozen ones are excellent for retaining nutrients and provide a convenient source of calories and energy whenever needed.

Canned

There’s no need to prep canned fava beans or lima beans since they’ve already been peeled and precooked. 

However, it’s best to rinse them to help eliminate some of the excess salt used to extend their shelf life. 

Fava Beans vs. Lima Beans: Cooking and Culinary Uses

In the culinary landscape, fava beans and lima beans each hold their own special place in the kitchen. 

Let's dive into how these legumes differ in how they’re cooked and explore their roles in recipes around the world.

Cooking Methods

Fava beans and lima beans can both be cooked in the following ways:

• Boiling
• Steaming
• Grilling
• Sautéeing
• Pureeing
• Roasting
• Frying

Fava beans are typically only lightly cooked to preserve their texture. You can enjoy them boiled or steamed as a side dish (akin to edamame) or a puree for spreads and dips.

They also go best with meaty and hearty dishes that benefit from their richness and slight chewiness.

On the other hand, lima beans, softer by nature, are ideal to be boiled until creamy. They can be roasted or fried to add a tender texture and a slight sweetness to certain dishes.

Lima beans particularly excel in recipes where you want other ingredients to shine — such as soups and stews — where their inherent starchy quality allows them to easily absorb flavors.  

Cooking Time

Once properly prepped, fava beans usually only need a few minutes to boil. After this, they’ll be delightfully rich. 

If you want to use fava beans in recipes like stews, go for the canned variety instead. This can withstand a longer cooking time without becoming mushy or misshapen. 

Lima beans typically need a longer boil time to be safe for consumption and reach their signature creamy consistency. They usually need to be boiled for around 20 minutes or more. 

Recipes

Both fava beans and lima beans are featured in dishes and cuisines across the globe, such as American, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean. 

They also pair wonderfully with a variety of ingredients, embracing flavors from sharp cheese to aromatic spices, elevating your culinary creations.

Here are some of the dishes where fava beans are used:

• Salads —  paired with delicious greens, shaved cheese, and a light vinaigrette
• Risotto — made with arborio rice and vegetables like cauliflower or asparagus
• Falafels — used together with chickpeas and deep-fry
• Hummus — used as a substitute for chickpeas
• Puree — spread on top of bruschetta or crackers 
• Fūl — boiled with fava beans, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and spices like cumin
• Sopa de habas — cooked until creamy with cilantro, jalapeños, onions, garlic, and tomatoes

And here are some of the dishes where lima beans are used:

• Southern lima beans — cooked with broth, seasonings, and your choice of meat
• Succotash — made with corn and other vegetables as a side for main courses
• Gigantes — cooked in tomato sauce
• Minestrone — used alongside carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, and other vegetables
• Veggie burger — incorporated to introduce a tender texture to the patty
• Tacos — served as a healthy and creamy topping
• Stews — added to hearty recipes for a hint of creaminess

Fava Beans vs. Lima Beans: Nutritional Content

Both these legumes contain essential nutrients that are vital for your overall health. That said, their specific nutritional benefits vary.

Here’s a brief comparison of the nutritional profiles of fava beans and lima beans to help you see how they can impact your diet and health needs.

• Calories: Fava beans are slightly lower in calories than lima beans. One cup of cooked fava beans has around 187 calories, while one cup of cooked lima beans has 209.
  
  The difference isn’t that significant, but it’s worth noting if you’re adhering to a strict diet with a calorie limit.
  
• Protein: You can find more or less the same amount of protein in fava beans (13 grams per cup) and lima beans (12 grams per cup).
  
• Fiber: Fava beans and lima beans have a similar fiber content, with nine grams per cup. So they’re both beneficial for digestive health.
  
• Carbs: Watching your carbs? Keep in mind that lima beans have a slightly higher carb content of 40 grams per cup, whereas fava beans have 33 grams per cup.
  
• Vitamins and minerals: Both legumes are chock-full of vitamins and minerals, but lima beans have the slight advantage with higher levels of iron, thiamine, potassium, and more.

Fava Beans vs. Lima Beans: Safety for Consumption

While fava beans and lima beans are generally safe to consume, there are a few warnings to consider for safety. 

Fava Beans

Fava beans contain vicine and convicine, which can trigger hemolytic anemia in individuals with G6PD deficiency, a condition known as favism. 

Because of this risk, fava beans is not safe to consume for those with this disorder.

Lima Beans

Important warning: never eat lima beans raw, even in small doses. 

These beans contain linamarin, a compound also found in flax and cassava, which releases cyanide in the body once ingested. 

Meanwhile, fresh fava beans can be safely consumed raw.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fava Beans vs. Lima Beans

How Long Do Lima Beans and Fava Beans Last?

This depends on their form. Fresh lima and fava beans typically last a week when refrigerated, while dried ones can last up to a year in a cool, dry place. 

Also, frozen lima beans can last eight to nine months in a freezer, lasting longer than frozen fava beans, which should only be kept in a freezer for six months. 

Can Fava Beans and Butter Beans Be Used Interchangeably in Recipes?

In some cases, fava beans and lima or butter beans can be used interchangeably. Lima beans are actually often used as alternatives to fava beans since they’re cheaper and more readily available.

However, the two legumes’ distinct flavors mean they might not be perfect substitutes in all recipes. So make sure to avoid using fava beans to replace lima beans in recipes where their nuttiness or richness may be too prominent. 

Likewise, try not to use lima beans as a replacement for fava beans in recipes where its mild and sweet taste can negatively affect the flavor profile. 

Choose the Right Bean for You!

Now that this guide has given you an in-depth look at the differences between these two delightful legumes, you can easily choose the one that suits your tastes and nutritional needs! 

With this, you’re equipped to bring a unique touch to any culinary creation. 

So next time you're at the market, why not pick up some fava or lima beans and play around with them in your kitchen?