National Lima Bean Respect Day

Celebrated on 04/20/2026

Quick Fact

National Lima Bean Respect Day is celebrated annually on April 20. Despite their polarizing reputation, lima beans are packed with protein and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to meals. This day encourages even the pickiest eaters to give these buttery beans a second chance.

Origins and Establishment of National Lima Bean Respect Day

National Lima Bean Respect Day was created in 2016 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in partnership with the Lima Bean Advisory Board to promote the nutritional benefits and versatility of lima beans. The holiday aims to challenge the negative stereotypes often associated with these legumes, which are frequently disliked for their texture and flavor. April 20 was chosen to coincide with the start of the spring planting season for lima beans in many parts of the country.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, National Lima Bean Respect Day has grown from a small promotional event into a nationwide celebration embraced by food bloggers, nutritionists, and schools. Modern commemorations include cooking demonstrations, recipe contests, and educational programs highlighting lima beans' role in sustainable agriculture. Social media campaigns using the hashtag #LimaBeanRespect encourage people to share creative lima bean dishes, from classic succotash to modern hummus and even chocolate desserts made with lima bean flour.

Facts & General Observations

• Lima beans are named after the city of Lima, Peru, where they were cultivated over 9,000 years ago.
• The United States produces approximately 200 million pounds of lima beans annually, with California and Delaware leading production.
• Despite their reputation, lima beans are a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin B, and contain more protein per cup than most other beans.

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