Lima Bean

Lima beans may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Make sure that the lima beans are fully cooked, as they can cause illness when undercooked or raw.

Lima beans originated in the Americas, where Central and South American people learned to cultivate the legume more than 8,000 years ago. In the 16th century, European colonizers took beans to other parts of the world, naming the legume after the South American city of Lima. Centuries of global trade and agricultural development led to many other names for lima beans: Burma beans, Christmas beans, garrofón, pallar, and sieva beans, to name a few.

Yes, as long as they are fully-cooked, as lima beans can cause illness when undercooked or raw. Nutritionally, lima beans are a terrific source of plant-based protein and fiber for a healthy heart and stable blood sugars. They also contain lots of vitamins and minerals, including folate and most B vitamins, as well as choline, which helps support brain health. Lastly, lima beans are rich in iron and zinc, two essential nutrients that babies often don’t get enough of in their diets. When served with foods that contain lots of vitamin C (like berries, broccoli, cauliflower, citrus, and bell pepper), the body absorbs more of the iron in the beans.

No. Lima beans are not a common food allergen, though allergic reactions to lima beans have been reported. Those who are already allergic to soybeans or other legumes may be at higher risk for a lima bean allergy, but this seems to be a rare occurrence. Individuals who are allergic to mesquite tree pollen may experience Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen-food allergy syndrome) when consuming lima beans. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction.

As you would do when introducing any new food, offer a small amount for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the amount served over future meals.

Yes. Lima beans are small, rounded, and can be firm, especially when raw or undercooked, qualities that can increase the risk of choking. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve lima beans in an age-appropriate way. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

Yes. Lima bean and butter bean are the same legume with variations in color, shape, and taste. Some are small and pale green, others are larger and pale yellow, and heirloom varieties can have speckles and streaks of magenta, scarlet, and other bright colors. All have a creamy, starchy texture and nutty taste with nuances in taste from one type to another.