Dry Bean Day lands on January 6th, celebrating beans — a core food in numerous cultures thanks to their rich protein and carbohydrate content. The term ‘beans’ broadly refers to seeds from specific plant families, and there are over 40,000 legume varieties known as beans worldwide. Globally, people relish traditional bean dishes. For Indians, ‘rajma’ paired with rice serves as delightful comfort food, while Americans enjoy spicy and tangy ‘chili’ on a cozy weeknight. Brits commonly savor “beans on toast” for breakfast, often accompanied by scrambled eggs and sausages. Feeling hungry yet?
History of Dry Bean Day
Dry Bean Day isn’t merely about indulging in culinary delights. The day also honors famed biologist and mathematician Gregor Mendel, known as the “Father of Genetics.” His pioneering studies on heredity using peas significantly advanced scientific knowledge. January 6th marks his death anniversary, offering an apt occasion to celebrate beans. Mendel’s groundbreaking work laid the foundation for many future discoveries, making this day a perfect opportunity to enjoy some beans and perhaps stroll through a park — it’s a good way to let out some air!
Beans have found mention in cultural references like the classic children’s story, “Jack and the Beanstalk,” and the playful nursery rhyme that begins, “Beans, Beans, the musical fruit…” You get the idea. Coffee beans are notably prized, with cacao beans traded by the Oompa Loompas in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Historically, the Aztecs even used cacao beans as currency, exchanging 15 beans for a rabbit. Beans were historically collected in the Himalayan foothills before becoming a staple crop or trade commodity.
Dry Bean Day Timeline
- 9750 B.C.: Bean cultivation begins in Thailand.
- 2000 B.C.: Egyptians create bean bags filled with dried beans.
- 1856 — 1863: Gregor Mendel’s genetic studies on pea plants revolutionize science.
- 1940s: North Carolina records the longest green bean pod at approximately 122 cm.
Origins and Trivia
- Origins: The common bean originates from the Americas, where it was vital to the native Andes and Mesoamerican peoples.
- Top Producer: North Dakota leads the U.S. in bean production.
- Top Consumer: India tops global bean consumption per a 2019 study.
Celebrating Dry Bean Day
- Learn a Recipe: Master grandma’s or dad’s special chili recipe, or explore new ones via the Internet. It’s a great day to perfect bean dishes!
- Create Bean Art: Use beans, not macaroni, for a DIY children’s art project. Beware of kidney beans hiding in sofa cushions later.
- Grow Beans: With around 40,000 bean species globally, research what thrives locally and plant in your garden.
Fascinating Bean Facts
- Pythagorean Beliefs: Pythagoras advised against eating fava beans, believing they housed souls of the deceased.
- Superfood Status: Beans are a nutritional powerhouse, boasting 21% protein and 77% complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
- Mung Beans: Also called green gram, mung beans top popularity charts.
- Longevity Link: Consuming an average of 20 grams of beans daily is common in “blue zones,” areas associated with longevity.
- Antioxidant Power: Black bean hulls pack 40 times more antioxidants than their white counterparts.
Why We Adore Dry Bean Day
- Delicious Simplicity: Beans are affordable, easy to cook, and widely available. Green beans are the U.S.’s second most canned food.
- Cultural Icons: Beans feature prominently in childhood tales and rhymes — a trip down memory lane.
- Scientific Insight: Thanks to Gregor Mendel, our understanding of genetics owes much to beans. Knowledge is something to cherish.
Celebrate Dry Bean Day with us at FindNoMore.net and appreciate the humble yet mighty bean!
What is the date of Dry Bean Day every year?
Year of Event | Day | Day of the week | Take place |
Dry Bean Day 2024 | Day 6 Month 1 Year 2024 | Saturday | 0 days left |
Dry Bean Day 2025 | Day 6 Month 1 Year 2025 | Monday | 0 days left |
Dry Bean Day 2026 | Day 6 Month 1 Year 2026 | Tuesday | 234 days left |
Dry Bean Day 2027 | Day 6 Month 1 Year 2027 | Wednesday | 599 days left |
Dry Bean Day 2028 | Day 6 Month 1 Year 2028 | Thursday | 964 days left |
Dry Bean Day 2029 | Day 6 Month 1 Year 2029 | Saturday | 1330 days left |
Dry Bean Day 2030 | Day 6 Month 1 Year 2030 | Sunday | 1695 days left |
Dry Bean Day 2031 | Day 6 Month 1 Year 2031 | Monday | 2060 days left |