The pod of the butter bean is flat, oblong, and slightly curved, averaging about three inches in length. Within the pod are the two to four flat kidney-shaped seeds that we call lima beans. The seeds are generally cream or green in color, although certain varieties feature colors such as white, red, purple, brown, or black. They make a great vegetarian pâté and work well in mixed bean salads, or rich, wintry stews. They are also a useful source of potassium.
