Lima beans have been grown for more than 8000 years. Lima beans were first taken to Europe by the Spanish in the early 16th century. There are some varieties that contain a toxin that is not destroyed during cooking - but be assured that they're not exported! 

A bushy or climbing plant, this herbaceous annual can reach 4 meters in height and produces flat oblong pods that are 5-12 cm long, containing 2-4 smooth, flat, somewhat kidney-shaped seeds with rounded ends. There are many different sizes, some of which are 6 mm (1/4") thick. They are usually quite large. Solid-colored or speckled, they're found in every color, though cream or green are the most common.