National Bean Day (January 6)
Check out the weird holiday National Bean Day on January 6. Learn the history of National Bean Day, as well as get ideas on how to celebrate.

One weird holiday on January 6 is National Bean Day. Check out the other weird January holidays!
History of National Bean Day
In addition to being National Bean Day, today is also Dry Bean Day. Since the two are so similar, we’ve put them together in the same post.
In the late 1800s, the genetecist Gregor Mendel used bean and pea plants to develop theories on genetics in plants. He actually became known as the Father of Genetics, and his experiments on bean and pea plants led him to discover the laws of genetic inheritance.
January 6th is the day of his death (which occurred in 1884), so Bean Day is actually about celebrating the amazing science of beans rather than how good they taste.
The word “beans” is a term used for seeds of certain plant families (also known as legumes), and they are stuffed with proteins and complex carbohydrates. They’re also low in fat and high in iron and fiber as well.
There are about 40,000 bean varieties in the world! They have been used to feed civilizations for millenia, and today beans are one of the primary staples of diets through the world today.
One interesting thing about bean plants is that their leaves tilt towards the sun in midday and fold up during the night. Beans can also be dried for long-term storage very easily, and also have been used as currency (such as the cacoa bean) in historical times.
Ideas to Celebrate National Bean Day
Of course, making delicious bean recipes is one way to celebrate the weird holiday of Bean Day, but there are also so many other activities you can do with beans!
All About Legumes - List, Guide, Info
If you want to know all about legumes you've come to the right place! Get a list of legumes, cooking guides, pictures, examples, types, and lots of information. Plus, you can find out answers to questions like What are legumes? Are green beans a legume? Read on to get all the answers on National Bean Day!
15 Types of Beans - And How to Use Them
Beans are a staple for many home cooks – they are inexpensive, delicious, nutritious, and store for long periods of time. Let’s explore some of the most popular types of beans available and how to use them on National Bean Day.
Bean Sensory Bin {super fun & easy to make}
This bean sensory bin is so much fun for kids to play with. They will love scooping and playing with these colorful beans on National Bean Day!
How to Grow Black Beans Indoors
If you’re wondering how to grow black beans indoors without a whole lot of gardening gear, don’t. Your supply list is very short, and this is a great project for National Bean Day!
Bean Mosaic Art Kids Craft Ideas
Make a bean mosaic using dyed beans for a fun and easy kids’ art project that’s sure to spark some creativity on National Bean Day.
The Bean Game (Combinations of 10)
The Bean Game is a fun way to experience combinations of 10. This game is easy to prepare and simple to play, yet provides hours of fun on National Bean Day!
Dinosaur Dig Sensory Bin!
Get the kids into National Bean Day with this fun dinosaur dig sensory bin! This is lots of sensory fun for your little dinosaur lover!
Beans on Toast (The Proper British Way - Recipe by a Brit!)
Beans on toast have been eaten for years everyday in the UK for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s a super simple dish, but it’s comfort food on a plate for National Bean Day.
How to Cook Yellow Eye Beans
Learn how to cook and season yellow eye beans with this old-fashioned southern recipe. Discover where to buy yellow eyes and how to season them so they’ll taste just like Grandma’s cooking on National Bean Day.
How to Shell, Cook, and Peel Fresh Fava Beans
Learn to shell, cook, and peel fresh fava beans with this easy step-by-step guide. These unique beans are a great way to spend your day cooking on National Bean Day.
The Best Vegetable Bean Soup
This is The Best Vegetable Bean Soup that is light but will keep you full and warm you up. Fresh vegetables are simmered with white beans and chickpeas and flavored with lemon juice, thyme and turmeric. You will love this healthy vegan soup on National Bean Day.
The Best Chili Sin Carne
This healthy (and super easy) Chili Sin Carne is the best vegan and vegetarian chili! It's extra hearty using three different beans—making it the perfect comfort food on National Bean Day in January.
Enfrijoladas Recipe
This super easy and best of all delicious enfrijoladas recipe is an economical meal choice that doesn’t take long at all to make. You most likely already have the ingredients needed on hand to make them. Also, both kids and adults will love them on National Bean Day!
Homemade Baked Beans With Molasses
Homemade baked beans is a family favorite, year-round comfort food recipe! Soak beans in the morning, boil in the evening, and bake overnight to enjoy on National Bean Day.
How to Make the Best White Beans Recipe
Ever wondered to make the Best White Beans? The lowly white bean is about to take on gourmet properties for you, if you follow the tips in this recipe for the Best White Beans and make it on National Bean Day!
Easy! Refried Jalapeno Black Beans
Refried black beans with fresh jalapeño is the perfect side dish for all of your favorite Mexican recipes. Starting with canned black beans makes this recipe so quick and easy these flavorful, creamy beans will be on the table in under 30 minutes on National Bean Day
Dr Pepper Baked Beans Recipe {crockpot or oven}
These Dr Pepper Baked Beans are the perfect side dish for your next meal! You can beat the heat this summer by using your crockpot for this recipe, or have a nice warm dish on National Bean Day.
Calico Baked Beans
Calico Baked Beans is an easy recipe that receives rave reviews from family and friends! Four types of beans in a savory sauce makes the perfect side dish on National Bean Day.
Mediterranean Bean Salad
Mediterranean Bean Salad packs chickpeas, white beans, your favorite Mediterranean vegetables and feta cheese into one healthy salad and is topped with a light lemony dressing. This works perfectly as a side dish to a meal on National Bean Day!
Pin It!
Share these ideas for Bean Day on Pinterest!