National Bean Day
National Bean Day is observed each year on January 6, giving these humble, versatile foods a moment in the spotlight. Beans appear in meals and food traditions around the world, from hearty soups to fresh salads. The day is a fun invitation to enjoy a favorite bean dish, try a new recipe, or learn a little more about the foods in your pantry.
How National Bean Day Started
The exact origin of National Bean Day is not well documented, so it is best to treat it as a lighthearted food observance rather than a holiday with a known founder or a clearly recorded beginning. Its purpose is easy to appreciate: celebrate beans and the many ways people grow, cook, and enjoy them.
Beans belong to the legume family, a broad group that also includes peas, lentils, and chickpeas. In everyday cooking, “beans” can refer to many different varieties, including black beans, kidney beans, cannellini beans, lima beans, and green beans. The name may cover different plants and forms, but they all offer plenty of possibilities in the kitchen.
A Food with Many Traditions
Beans are part of cuisines across the globe. They can be simmered with spices, mashed into spreads, tossed into salads, or paired with grains and vegetables. Familiar dishes include chili, baked beans, bean soups, and rice served with beans. Different varieties bring their own textures and flavors: some turn creamy when cooked, while others stay firm enough for salads and stews.
Dried beans are often soaked or cooked before eating, while canned beans are already cooked and can be a convenient option. Green beans are usually prepared as a vegetable, while many other beans are used in soups, sauces, and main dishes. With so many forms available, beans can fit into a quick weeknight meal or a slow-cooked family favorite.
Ways to Celebrate National Bean Day
- Make a bean-based meal. Prepare a pot of chili, a bowl of lentil or bean soup, or a simple dish of rice and beans. Add herbs, spices, or vegetables you already have on hand.
- Try a variety you have not cooked before. Pick up a different type of dried or canned bean and use it in a salad, stew, or pasta dish. Check the package for preparation instructions, especially for dried beans.
- Build a colorful salad. Combine rinsed canned beans with chopped vegetables, a little olive oil, and a dressing you enjoy. Serve it as a side dish or tuck it into a wrap.
- Explore a family food tradition. Ask someone in your family how they make a favorite bean dish, then cook it together and share the story behind it.
- Make a pantry plan. If you have canned beans waiting to be used, add one to your next meal. Dried beans can also be a handy pantry staple when you have time to prepare them.
- Share the fun. Invite friends or family to bring a bean dish for a casual meal, or swap easy recipes with someone who enjoys cooking.
Last updated October 20, 2026.
When is National Bean Day?
National Bean Day: Every year on January 6.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | January 6 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | January 6 | Thursday |
| 2029 | January 6 | Saturday |
| 2030 | January 6 | Sunday |
| 2031 | January 6 | Monday |
Frequently asked questions
When is National Bean Day in 2027?
National Bean Day is on Wednesday, January 6, 2027. After that, it falls on Thursday, January 6, 2028. Every year on January 6.
Is National Bean Day a public holiday?
No. National Bean Day is an observance, not an official public holiday, so schools and businesses stay open as usual.
How did National Bean Day start?
The exact origin of National Bean Day is not well documented. It is best understood as a lighthearted food observance celebrating beans.
What does National Bean Day celebrate?
National Bean Day celebrates beans and the many ways people grow, cook, and enjoy them. Beans are used in cuisines around the world, in dishes such as chili, soups, salads, and rice and beans.
How can you celebrate National Bean Day?
Make a bean-based meal, try a variety you have not cooked before, or add rinsed canned beans to a colorful salad. You can also cook a favorite family bean dish with someone and share its story.
