National Bean Day (January 6)

ByClare Brown Posted on Updated on

National Bean Day is celebrated every year on January 6, honoring the humble bean and its impact on nutrition, agriculture, and science.

This day is linked to Gregor Mendel, the Father of Genetics, who used beans and peas in his groundbreaking studies on genetic inheritance.

Beyond science, beans have played a vital role in diets across cultures, providing a sustainable, protein-rich food source.

Whether you’re cooking up a hearty bean stew, learning about Mendel’s discoveries, or planting beans in your garden, this weird January holiday is the perfect time to appreciate these versatile legumes.

When is the Holiday?

National Bean Day is celebrated every year on January 6th. This day honors the significance of beans in both culinary and scientific history, making it a fun and educational holiday to recognize.

Who Invented It?

The origins of the holiday are unclear, but it is often associated with Gregor Mendel, the Father of Genetics.

His groundbreaking experiments with pea and bean plants helped shape modern genetics, and the holiday falls on the anniversary of his death in 1884.

The History of the Holiday

Beans have been a staple in diets for thousands of years, feeding civilizations across the globe.

They are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a powerhouse food.

National Bean Day is a chance to appreciate these versatile legumes and their role in both nutrition and scientific discovery.

Beyond Mendel’s work, beans have been an essential crop for many ancient cultures, including the Aztecs, Egyptians, and Chinese.

They were used in religious ceremonies, as food for soldiers, and as a reliable, long-lasting food source during times of famine. The domestication of beans helped shape agriculture and trade routes across the world.

Today, beans remain a vital food, celebrated for their sustainability, affordability, and adaptability in countless cuisines.

bowl of bean soup

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

  1. There are about 40,000 bean varieties worldwide, though only a fraction are cultivated for consumption.
  2. Some beans, like cacao beans, have been used as currency in history.
  3. Bean plants have a unique movement called nyctinasty, where their leaves tilt toward the sun during the day and fold up at night.
  4. Beans can be stored for long periods by drying, making them a vital food source in many cultures.
  5. Many cultures have traditional bean-based dishes, such as Mexican refried beans, British beans on toast, and Southern baked beans.

Activities to Celebrate

  • Cook a Bean-Based Dish: Try out a new bean recipe, from soups to salads to casseroles. Experiment with different types of beans to explore their unique flavors and textures.
  • Start a Bean Garden: Beans are easy to grow and a great way to introduce kids to gardening. Plant different varieties to see how they grow and compare their characteristics.
  • Make a Bean Sensory Bin: A fun, tactile activity for young children. Use dried beans of various colors and sizes to create an engaging and educational sensory experience.
  • Do a Science Experiment: Study bean sprouting or discuss Gregor Mendel’s genetics experiments. Grow beans in a clear container to observe root and stem development over time.
  • Create Bean Art: Use colorful beans to make mosaics or craft projects. Arrange beans into patterns, shapes, or even portraits to create unique artwork.
  • Host a Bean Tasting Party: Try different bean-based dishes from around the world, such as hummus, chili, lentil soup, or black bean tacos. Compare flavors and textures to discover new favorites.
  • Play the Bean Estimation Game: Fill a jar with beans and have friends or family guess how many beans are inside. The closest guess wins a prize!
variety of beans

Related Recipes

Looking for the perfect dish to celebrate? Here are some delicious bean-based recipes to try:

  • Beans on Toast. A British classic, this simple yet hearty meal consists of savory beans atop crunchy toast, perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.
  • The Best Vegetable Bean Soup. A hearty and healthy meal loaded with white beans, chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a warm blend of spices.
  • Enfrijoladas. A delicious Mexican bean dish featuring tortillas smothered in a rich bean sauce and topped with cheese and onion.
  • Homemade Baked Beans. A slow-cooked favorite made with navy beans, molasses, and a hint of smokiness for a comforting dish.
  • Dr Pepper Baked Beans. A sweet and savory twist on baked beans, made with the surprising addition of Dr. Pepper soda for extra depth of flavor.
  • Mediterranean Bean Salad. A refreshing salad packed with chickpeas, white beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese, tossed in a zesty lemon dressing.
  • Refried Jalapeño Black Beans. A creamy, slightly spicy side dish perfect for pairing with tacos, burritos, or rice bowls.
  • White Bean Soup. A comforting, creamy soup made with tender white beans, aromatic herbs, and vegetables for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

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Links to Resources

  • List of Legumes and How to Cook Them. A comprehensive guide to different types of legumes, their nutritional benefits, and how to prepare them in various dishes.
  • How to Grow Black Beans Indoors. Step-by-step instructions for successfully growing black beans indoors, even with minimal gardening experience.
  • Bean Sensory Bin for Kids. A hands-on, sensory activity using dried beans to encourage fine motor skills and imaginative play in young children.
  • Bean Sprouting Kit. A complete kit to start sprouting beans at home, making it easy to add fresh, nutritious sprouts to your meals.
  • Instant Pot for Cooking Beans. A highly recommended appliance that significantly reduces the cooking time for dried beans while maintaining their flavor and texture.
  • Gregor Mendel: The Friar Who Grew Beans. A fascinating biography about Gregor Mendel, detailing his pioneering work in genetics through his experiments with beans and pea plants.

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