The forgotten bean - You rarely see anything written about the lima bean It is the plant children first learn about in Biology in 6th or 7th grade.
There is nutritional value in lima beans as in other legumes. They are a good source for fiber, and virtually a fat free source of high-quality protein. Lima beans contain soluble fiber, which helps regulate the blood sugar levels, and even lowers cholesterol. Lima beans also prevents constipation and supports those individuals with irritable bowel disease. Lima beans are of great value due to their content of trace minerals. These minerals are molybdenum, manganese, iron, copper phosphorous, magnesium, and potassium. There is also thiamine and folate in lima beans. One cooked cup of lima beans is 216.00 calories with 14.6 grams of protein.
Unlike most other beans lima beans secrete an abundance of nectar. Therefore, honeybees love the lima bean flowers. The nectar is colorless and has a sugar concentration of 42 % - 59%. This is secreted freely the day the petals unfold and very enticing for the Honeybee. In 1949, Pellet wrote in The Hive and the Honey Bee called the honey white gold with a good flavor but granulates quickly. There is also another book, American Honey Plants described the honey as almost water white with fine flavor.
George Ayers in the American Bee Journal many years ago wrote a fine article about The Lima Bean which inspired me to write about lima beans. It also brought back memories of my childhood. His conclusion which is striking and relevant is that if honey bees are important in the pollination of lima beans, why is there very few articles on lima beans.
Until tomorrow