Black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, navy beans: beans come in hundreds of varieties and show up in cuisines all over the world. National Bean Day, on January 6, celebrates these small, powerful foods. Beans are cheap, filling, packed with protein and fiber, and perfect for warm winter meals like chili, soups and stews. It is a great day to cook a pot from scratch or try a bean you have never eaten before.
History of National Bean Day
Beans are among the oldest cultivated crops. Archaeologists have found evidence that people in the Americas were growing common beans thousands of years ago, and fava beans, lentils and chickpeas were grown in the Middle East and Mediterranean even earlier.
In the Americas, Indigenous farmers often planted beans together with corn and squash, a system known as the Three Sisters. The corn provided a pole for the beans to climb, the beans added nitrogen to the soil, and the squash shaded the ground to keep weeds down. After European explorers reached the Americas, beans traveled to Europe, Africa and Asia, where they became staples in many cuisines.
The date of National Bean Day is often linked to Gregor Mendel, the scientist known as the father of genetics, who died on January 6, 1884. Mendel's famous experiments used pea plants, which are also legumes. Who first created the day is not documented, but it has become a popular food holiday in the United States.
Why National Bean Day Matters
Beans are one of the healthiest and most affordable foods available. They are rich in protein, fiber, iron and other nutrients, and they help people feel full for longer.
They are also good for the planet. Beans need relatively little water compared with many protein sources, and bean plants add nitrogen to the soil, reducing the need for fertilizer.
How to Celebrate National Bean Day
- Cook dried beans: soak them overnight, then simmer until tender for better flavor and texture.
- Make a pot of chili: combine beans, tomatoes, spices and your choice of meat or vegetables.
- Try a new variety: look for cannellini, adzuki, lima or black-eyed peas.
- Blend a dip: make hummus from chickpeas or a black bean dip.
- Plant beans: in spring, grow pole or bush beans in a garden or container.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a chili or soup potluck is a cozy way to celebrate in winter, with each person bringing a different bean dish. In classrooms, beans are wonderful for science: students can sprout beans in a clear cup with a damp paper towel and watch roots and shoots grow day by day, or learn about the Three Sisters garden. Younger students can use dried beans for counting and sorting activities. At home, families can cook a big pot of beans on the weekend and use them all week in tacos, salads and soups. Let children help rinse and sort dried beans, and talk about how beans are grown and where different varieties come from.
Fun Facts About National Bean Day
- The Three Sisters planting method combines corn, beans and squash.
- Bean plants add nitrogen to the soil through bacteria on their roots.
- Gregor Mendel, whose pea experiments founded genetics, died on January 6, 1884.
National Bean Day FAQs
When is National Bean Day?
National Bean Day is January 6.
Do I need to soak dried beans?
Soaking shortens cooking time and can make beans easier to digest, though some beans like lentils do not need it.
Are canned beans healthy?
Yes. Rinse them to reduce sodium, or choose low-sodium cans.
Why is National Bean Day on January 6?
The date is often linked to Gregor Mendel, the father of genetics, who died on January 6, 1884.