Dry Bean Day is celebrated on January 6. Beans are the staple food in many cultures because it is packed with the nourishment of proteins and complex carbohydrates. The word ‘beans’ is an umbrella term used for seeds of certain plant families. There are more than 40,000 varieties of legumes found across the world that are recognized as beans. Many traditional bean recipes are enjoyed across the globe. For Indians, it is ‘rajma,’ which is comfort food served hot with rice. For Americans, it is ‘chili,’ a mix of spicy and tangy perfect for a weeknight. Likewise, for the Brits, it’s “beans on toast”, a go-to breakfast often enjoyed with scrambled eggs and sausages. Is anybody else drooling?
History of Dry Bean Day
The reason why we celebrate Dry Bean Day is more than just an excuse for gluttony. Beans, especially peas, were used by the “Father of Genetics” to study the concept of genes and heredity. This famous biologist and mathematician was Gregory Mendel and his death anniversary (January 6) is marked as Dry Bean Day. He made remarkable revelations about hybridization during his study which formed the basis of many future discoveries in the field.
His discoveries give us more reason to proudly enjoy some beans for lunch today and then go for a walk in the park because it’s better to release the warm air out in the open. There are many references to beans in our culture such as the children’s story, “Jack and the Beanstalk,” and the catchy nursery rhyme that goes, “Beans, Beans, the musical fruit. The more you eat, the more you….” Well, you know the rest.
But, so far coffee beans have been the most coveted bean. It was not only the Oompa Loompas from Charlie and Chocolate Factory that traded in cacao beans. In the Aztec era, cacao beans were used as money where 15 beans can buy you a rabbit.
Beans were known to be gathered by people in the foothills of the Himalayas before being cultivated or traded like money.
Dry Bean Day timeline
The cultivation of beans begins in Thailand.
Bean bags arose in Egyptian cultures made of leather pouches filled with actual dried beans.
Gregor Mendel’s study of heredity and genetics using pea plants resulted in revolutionary scientific discoveries.
The longest green bean pod was recorded in North Carolina reaching a length of approximately 122 cm.
Dry Bean Day FAQs
Where did dry beans originate?
The common bean is native to the Americas, where it was a staple of the native people of the Andes and Mesoamerica.
Which state has the most beans?
North Dakota has been recorded as the highest bean-producing state in the U.S.
Which country consumes the most beans?
India ranked the highest in bean consumption in a 2019 study.
Dry Bean Day Activities
Learn your favorite recipe
You can follow your grandma’s recipe or ask your father to make his special chili while you take notes. Else, you can ask the universal guide, the Internet, for help. Either way, it’s time to perfect some delicious bean recipes.
Create a D.I.Y. bean art
Beans come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Excuse the macaroni and use some beans to create a children’s D.I.Y. art today. Though, you might keep finding kidney beans stuck between your sofa cushions for the next few months.
Grow some beans
There are about 40,000 species of beans found around the world. Find out what grows well in your area and plant some seeds in your yard.
5 Interesting Facts About Beans
Pythagoras aversed beans
Pythagoras preached against the consumption of fava beans because they contain the souls of the dead since they were flesh-like.
Beans are superfood
Beans contain 21% protein, 77% of complex carbohydrates which is a source of slow, consistent energy, and only a few percentages of fat.
The mung beans
Mung beans, also known as green gram, are the most eaten beans.
Green beans for long life
An average of 20 grams of beans is consumed by people living in the blue zone while some studies show that beans prolong life by 6%.
Darker beans are better
According to a study, black bean hulls contain 40 times the amount of antioxidants found in white bean hulls.
Why We Love Dry Bean Day
They are delicious
Beans can easily be found in any departmental store, they are easy on the pocket, and take little effort to cook. Also, green beans are the second-most canned food in the U.S.
Magic beans and musical fruit
Children’s stories and nursery rhymes are some childhood memories revolving around the iconic bean. Let’s journey down memory lane today.
Two peas in a pod
It's because of the pivotal work of Gregor Mendel that we know so much about genetics and heredity. We love knowledge.
Dry Bean Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 6 | Monday |
| 2026 | January 6 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | January 6 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | January 6 | Thursday |
| 2029 | January 6 | Saturday |
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