Celebrate the Humble Bean Because Today is Eat Beans Day!

Beans, beans, the magical fruit, the more you eat the … better you feel! Okay, so it’s not exactly how the song goes, but we’ll spare you the immaturity. And anyway, it’s totally true: beans are a magical food, packed full of fibre and other nutrients to make you feel your absolute best. For these reasons, July 3 was named Eat Beans Day.

Beans, part of a larger group called pulses (which also include peas, lentils, and chickpeas), are filling, easy to prepare, and incredibly nutritious. Beans, as well as other pulse crops, are an excellent source of fibre, both soluble and insoluble, which can help lower blood cholesterol levels while also maintaining bowel health.

Plus, they’re low-glycemic index foods, which means they release sugar into the blood system slowly, an attribute beneficial to those needing to regulate their blood glucose levels. And they’re low in fat with no trans fat, and an excellent source of vegetarian protein.

Further, besides being healthy and nutritious, pulses are also beneficial in creating a healthy planet. They are nature’s sustainable food crop because they require low agricultural inputs such as energy or water.

To celebrate this bean-tastic day, why not try out one of these tasty alive recipes, featuring the small yet mighty bean?

Appetizers

• White Bean Hummus Dip
• Black Bean Dip
• Festive Nachos

Salads and sides

• Seasoned Edamame and Beans
• Colourful Two Bean Salad with Tomatoes and Parsley
• Baby Spinach and Navy Bean Salad with Balsamic Dressing
• Three Bean Salad
• Vegetarian Molasses Baked Beans

Main dishes

• White Bean Kale Soup
• Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili
• Three Bean, Spinach, and Kale Stew with Lacy Parmesan Cracker
• Spiced Mung Bean Stew