January 6

Dry Bean Day

Get ready to bring some flavor and nutrition to your meals with Dry Bean Day - the perfect excuse to add beans to all of your dishes!

Yearly Date

January 6

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate all things dry bean on January 6th for Dry Bean Day! Whether you love them in soups, salads, or as a tasty side dish, dry beans have been a staple in diets around the world for centuries. In fact, they were first cultivated in Peru over 7,000 years ago and have since become an important source of protein and nutrition for many cultures. So why not take this day to appreciate these humble legumes and try out some new recipes featuring your favorite type of bean? Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!

Dry Bean Day Timeline

500 BC

Dry Beans Ancient Cultivation

Dry beans were being cultivated in ancient civilizations in Peru and Mexico around 500 BC.

1492

Bean Export to Europe

Christopher Columbus brought beans back to Europe from his voyages to the New World in 1492, making them popular across the continent.

19th Century

Bean Cultivation in the U.S.

The production of dry beans became widespread in the U.S. during the 19th century when European immigrants familiar with these crops settled on farmlands.

1930s

Beans and Great Depression

During the Great Depression, beans were a staple food due to their high nutritional value and low cost.

1987

Inclusion in Dietary Guidelines

For the first time, beans were included in the official U.S. Dietary Guidelines in 1987, highlighting their nutritional importance.

2018

Establishment of Dry Bean Day

The inaugural Dry Bean Day was celebrated on January 6th, 2018, to promote the benefits of this healthful and diverse food.

How to Celebrate Dry Bean Day

1 Create a bean-themed menu

Get creative in the kitchen and plan a menu centered around beans. From bean soups and stews to bean burgers and hummus, there are endless possibilities for incorporating dry beans into your meals.

2 Go on a bean scavenger hunt

Take a trip to your local grocery store or farmer's market and go on a scavenger hunt for different types of dry beans. Challenge yourself to find unique varieties and try them in new recipes.

3 Host a bean-themed potluck

Invite friends and family over for a potluck where everyone brings a dish featuring dry beans. This is a great way to try new recipes and spend time with loved ones.

4 Attend a cooking class focused on beans

Check your local community center or cooking school for any classes or workshops that focus on cooking with beans. You'll learn new techniques and recipes to incorporate into your own cooking.

5 Volunteer at a food bank

Celebrate Dry Bean Day by giving back to the community. Volunteer at a local food bank and help sort and distribute dry beans to those in need. It's a great way to support the importance of beans in our diets while also making a difference in someone's life.

Why We Love Dry Bean Day

Dry beans are nutrient-rich

Dry bean day is a great reminder to add these protein-packed legumes to your diet. They are loaded with nutrients like fiber, iron, and folate - making them not only tasty but also incredibly beneficial for your health!

Dry beans are versatile

From black beans to chickpeas, there are endless varieties of dry beans that can be used in a variety of dishes. You can make soups, salads, dips, or even incorporate them into baked goods. Dry bean day encourages you to get creative in the kitchen!

Dry beans are budget-friendly

Not only do dry beans offer nutritional benefits and versatility in the kitchen, they are also very affordable! This makes them a perfect staple food to have on hand for budget-conscious individuals or families looking to create delicious and healthy meals without breaking the bank.