Phaseolus lunatus L.

Kacang jawa, or lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), is an annual or perennial climbing plant up to 4 meters long of the Fabaceae family, native to Central and South America, spreading worldwide since the era of Western exploration. Its pods and leaves are commonly eaten after cooking as a source of plant protein. Traditionally, lima bean is also believed to aid digestion and support heart health.

Grows well in tropical lowlands up to an elevation of 1,500 m above sea level, annual temperature of 16-27 °C, average rainfall of 900-1,500 mm/year. Requires fairly fertile soil at pH 6-7 with good drainage, favoring sandy loam soil.

• Stem pentagonal or cylindrical.
• Leaves compound with three leaflets, leaflets ovate, smooth margins, pointed tip.
• Flowers relatively small, bell-shaped calyx. Corolla with a hood-shaped standard petal, pale green or purple, wings white or purple, keel sharply folded, white or sometimes colored. Inflorescence a raceme in the leaf axil, with many nodes and blooms, bracteoles persistent. 10 stamens in two bundles. Pods oblong, usually curved, containing 2-4 seeds.
• Seeds kidney-shaped, light to dark brown, speckled/patterned.

Propagated generatively (by seed). Seeds are planted directly in the field without prior nursery sowing.

Flavonoids, alkaloids, phytin, lectins, saponins, tannins, phenolics (gallic acid, caffeic acid, ellagic acid, rutin, quercetin, kaempferol).

Prevents constipation and aids digestion; supports tissue repair and growth; boosts heart health; anticancer; stabilizes blood sugar; helps prevent pregnancy complications; boosts energy; stimulates appetite.

• Prepare fresh leaves and wash thoroughly.
• Air-dry for several days until dry, or use an oven until the moisture content is 10%.
• Store in a closed, airtight container.

Kacang mas, Roay (Sunda), Kara, Kratok (Java), Saru (Minahasa) and Kacang merah (Pontianak).