Calico beans, also known as Christmas lima beans, are an ancient type of runner bean with a buttery flavor and light color. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants, and can be used in a variety of dishes. When cooked, they turn pink-brown and are popular in casseroles, soups, and vegan/vegetarian meals. They should be cooked before eating and can provide long-lasting energy. Growers must use supports to guide the plants, which can grow over three and a half feet tall.
There are many different types of beans available for culinary use. Christmas lima beans, formerly known as calico beans, are a very ancient type of runner bean. They are known for their light color and buttery flavour.
The calico bean, while quite popular, is considered hard to find. Also known as the speckled butter bean, its color ranges from light cream to deep brown with mottled markings. When cooked, the beans turn pink-brown. Introduced to the United States from Peru in 1840, the Palo Natal lima bean is widely sought after for its coloration.
This type of heirloom bean can be used dry or shelled. Its flavor is considered a milder version of other types of lima beans, although it is still very rich and buttery. Because of this flavor, it is popular to serve the ham inside any calico bean crock dish. Calico bean soup is another common use of beans, which is traditionally served with cornbread.
Casseroles can be made with calico beans, as can most other dishes that call for beans. Vegan and vegetarian meals are often cooked with beans. Along with corn on the cob and veggie burgers, calico beans can provide a complete meal on camping trips and backyard barbecues.
An excellent source of protein, calico beans are considered a health food. They are rich in fiber, folic acid and manganese. Lima beans also contain antioxidants. When eaten with whole-wheat pasta or brown rice, these beans can provide a source of complete protein for those who do not wish to consume meat.
As with any other type of lima bean, calico beans should be cooked before eating. Eating raw beans can cause serious illness. Consuming well-cooked lima beans can help lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, prevent heart disease and stroke, and relieve constipation. Digestive ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome can also be relieved by adding calico beans to the diet. People who suffer from insulin resistance due to diabetes may also find the legume helpful.
People looking to boost their energy choose to do it with lima beans. They provide long-lasting energy that burns slowly. Its magnesium content also helps improve blood, oxygen and nutritional circulation.
Calico beans can grow over three and a half feet tall. Growers must use supports to guide elusive plants. The beans themselves can grow 10 to 15 centimeters long. Each bean container can hold up to five flat lima beans.
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