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Celebrate Lima Bean Respect Day on April 20 and show your appreciation for the amazing legume! It all started in 1984 when a group of lima bean farmers decided to honor their crop by dedicating one special day each year to it. Since then, Lima Bean Respect Day has become an annual tradition, celebrated around the world. Not only are lima beans delicious and versatile, but they are also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals. So grab some lima beans and join us in celebrating this beloved food on April 20th!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>8000 BC</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Lima Bean Domestication</div><div class='timeline-text'>Lima beans were first domesticated in the Andes and Mesoamerica, becoming an integral part of ancient civilizations' diets.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>16th Century </div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Lima Beans in Europe</div><div class='timeline-text'>Spanish explorers brought lima beans back to Europe from the New World, introducing the legume to a new continent.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>19th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>U.S. Commercial Cultivation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Commercial cultivation of lima beans began in the United States, particularly in California, which remains a leading producer today.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1984</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Lima Bean Respect Day Initiation</div><div class='timeline-text'>A group of lima bean farmers initiated Lima Bean Respect Day on April 20th to honor and promote their crop.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>21st Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Health Benefits Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Increasing recognition of the health benefits of lima beans, including high fiber and protein content as well as essential vitamins and minerals, bolstered their popularity.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Cook a Lima Bean dish</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are so many delicious recipes out there featuring Lima Beans, from soups and stews, to salads and sides. Dig in and make something special.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a local farmer's market</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Search out your local farmer's market and pick up some fresh Lima Beans. Talk to the farmers about how they grow Lima Beans and how to prepare them for optimal flavor.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Lima Bean potluck</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite your friends over for a Lima Bean potluck. Ask everyone to bring their favorite Lima Bean dish or recipe to share.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a Lima Bean eating contest</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Who can eat the most Lima Beans in a designated amount of time? Make it fun by adding prizes or awards at the end.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create an art project</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some Lima Beans, paint, glue and other art supplies and create something unique that celebrates Lima Bean Respect Day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Lima beans are nutrient-dense</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Lima beans are jam-packed with essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, magnesium and Iron. They're also a good source of protein and fiber, making them an excellent addition to any healthy diet!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Lima beans are flavorful & versatile</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Whether eaten fresh or dried, lima beans have a delicious nutty flavor that pairs well with almost any savory dish. They can be added to soups, stews, salads, side dishes and more for extra texture, nutrition and flavor!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Lima beans offer many health benefits</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Not only are lima beans rich in essential nutrients, but they may also be beneficial for managing blood sugar levels and heart health. Plus, they're low in calories and fat while still providing satiating amounts of protein and fiber - making them an all around great choice for your next meal!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Lima Beans are Named After the Capital of Peru</h3><p class='facts-content'>The lima bean gets its name from Lima, the capital of Peru, where the bean was believed to have been cultivated around 6000 years ago and remains a popular food source.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Lima Beans Can Be Lifesavers!</h3><p class='facts-content'>During times of food shortage, particularly during war times in the past, lima beans have served as a crucial source of protein and other vital nutrients when meat was scarce or unavailable.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are Many Varieties of Lima Beans</h3><p class='facts-content'>The variety we commonly refer to as "lima beans" is actually just one of several kinds, which come in all different sizes, colors and shapes. Some of the more known varieties include the Fordhook and Christmas lima beans.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Lima Beans Need Special Cooking Care</h3><p class='facts-content'>Raw lima beans contain a naturally occurring chemical called linamarin which can be toxic if consumed. However, cooking them at a high enough temperature for at least 10 minutes can effectively neutralize this component, making them safe to eat.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Lima Bean Records are Nothing Short of Enormous!</h3><p class='facts-content'>The world record for the largest lima bean plant stands at a whopping 10 feet 3 inches tall, held by Melvin Hemker of Michigan, USA. This showcases how impressive these fascinating legumes can really be!</p></div></div>
Lima Bean Respect Day is celebrated on April 20 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Saturday.
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