Sort and rinse the lima beans
Soak dried lima beans in water for 6 to 8 hours or overnight
Drain and rinse the soaked beans
Place beans in a pot and cover with fresh water
Bring to a boil
Reduce heat to a simmer
Skim off any foam
Add salt near the end of cooking
Simmer until tender, about 45 to 90 minutes for dried beans
Drain when cooked
Serve or use in recipes
For frozen lima beans, boil or steam until tender, about 5 to 10 minutes
For canned lima beans, drain, rinse, and heat until warmed through