How to Know the Difference in Butter Beans, Lima Beans & Madagascar Beans

Butter Beans, Lima Beans & Madagascar beans - I grew up eating Butter Beans and Lima Beans. But when I mentioned them to friends some had no idea what I was talking about.

I finally realized different cultures call them different things because they look just a little different and various climates influence them. Here are some facts and one recipe for all.

Things You'll Need

• Butter Beans, Lima Beans or Madagascar beans
• 1 lb. dry beans
• 1 lb. smoked sausage or smoked ham slices or bone
• 1 bunch green onions
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 4 beef bouillon cubes
• 3/4 tsp. Tabasco sauce (if you like a little kick)
• 6 c. water

Instructions

1. 

   There are multiple names for just about every food, and in this case, butter beans is the other name for lima beans. There are two common varieties of lima bean - the baby lima bean and the Fordhook - although often confused, they are the same bean in different stages of development.

2. 

   Fordhook lima beans are commonly called butter beans.

3. 

   These larger beans are also known as butter beams in Europe, or Madagascar beans, since most lima beans sold in Europe are grown in Madagascar (or Mauritius).

4. One way to cook them all & enjoy the different flavors:
   Crockpot Beans
   Ingredients:

   * 1 lb. dry beans
   * 1 lb. smoked sausage or smoked ham slices or bone
   * 1 bunch green onions
   * 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
   * 4 beef bouillon cubes
   * 3/4 tsp. Tabasco sauce (if you like a little kick)
   * 6 c. water

   Preparation:
   Wash beans and put them in a slow cooker. Add 6 cups water. Slice smoked sausage or ham into pieces and add to beans. Chop green onions and add to mixture. Now add remaining ingredients and mix. Cover and cook in slow cooker on high for 8 to 10 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Also great recipe for black eyed peas and other dry beans

• These beans can be prepared with other vegetables for soups, casseroles, but are great with rice or cole slaw.

• Serving with corn bread is a must!

• Know to produce intense gas (for those with gastric issues) ;)