JULY 3, 2014 – NATIONAL EAT BEANS DAY – NATIONAL CHOCOLATE WAFER DAY

                           NATIONAL EAT BEANS DAY

July 3rd annually recognizes National Eat Beans Day, a “live healthy” holiday celebrated by millions across the nation.  This day honors the bean vegetable in all sizes, shapes and colors.
Beans (legumes) are one of the longest cultivated plants dating back to the early seventh millennium BCE.
Today,  just as throughout the Old and New World history, beans are an important source of protein.  A very healthy choice for any meal or snack, they are also an excellent source of fiber (including soluble fiber), are low in fat and are high in complex carbohydrates, folate and iron.  Soluble fiber can help lower blood cholesterol.

• There are approximately 40,000 bean varieties in the world.
• Only a fraction of these varieties are mass-produced for regular consumption.
• Beans are a heliotropic plant – this means that the leaves tilt to face the sun during the day and go into a folded “sleep” position at night.

 Today, enjoy one of  the following “tried and true” recipes and enjoy
National Eat Beans Day!

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/fava_bean_dip_with_goat_cheese_and_garlic/
http://www.food.com/recipe/black-bean-chicken-chili-118068
NATIONAL EAT BEANS DAY HISTORY
Our research was unable to locate the creator of National Eat Beans Day, an “unofficial” national holiday.
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NATIONAL CHOCOLATE WAFER DAY

National Chocolate Wafer Day is celebrated each year on July 3.  Once again, chocolate lovers across the country have reason to enjoy their favorite flavor for breakfast, lunch and supper.