World Pulses Day

World Pulses Day in the United States: A Comprehensive Guide

World Pulses Day is a global event recognized by the United Nations to celebrate the importance of pulses—the dry, edible seeds of plants in the legume family. While the term "pulses" might sound technical to some Americans, these crops are staples of the American pantry and pillars of the nation’s agricultural economy. From the pinto beans in a Tex-Mex burrito and the chickpeas in a Mediterranean salad to the lentils in a hearty winter soup, pulses are foundational to human health and environmental sustainability.

In the United States, World Pulses Day serves as a vital platform for farmers, nutritionists, chefs, and environmentalists to converge. It is a day dedicated to highlighting how these small but mighty seeds can address some of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, including food security, climate change, and chronic disease. The observance emphasizes the "farm-to-table" journey, celebrating the hardworking American growers in states like North Dakota, Montana, and Washington who lead the world in pulse production, while also educating consumers on how to incorporate these affordable proteins into their daily diets.

What makes this day truly special is its dual focus on the past and the future. Traditionally, beans and peas have been "survival foods" during lean times in American history. Today, however, they are at the cutting edge of food technology, serving as the primary ingredients in plant-based meat alternatives and gluten-free flours. World Pulses Day celebrates this evolution, proving that ancient crops can be the key to a modern, sustainable food system.

When is World Pulses Day in 2026?

If you are planning to join the global celebration, mark your calendars for the upcoming observance. World Pulses Day is held annually on the same date, though the day of the week shifts each year.

Date: February 10, 2026 Day of the Week: Tuesday Countdown: There are 38 days remaining until the celebration begins.

The date of World Pulses Day is fixed. Unlike many American holidays that are observed on a specific Monday to create a long weekend (like Memorial Day or Labor Day), World Pulses Day is always celebrated on February 10th. This consistency allows international organizations and local American communities to synchronize their efforts and create a unified global voice for the promotion of legumes.

The History and Origins of World Pulses Day

The journey toward an official World Pulses Day began with the overwhelming success of the 2016 International Year of Pulses (IYP). Led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the 2016 initiative was designed to heighten public awareness of the nutritional benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production.

The United States played a significant role in this movement. As one of the world's top exporters of dried peas, lentils, and chickpeas, the American pulse industry recognized that a single year of promotion was not enough to create lasting global change. Following the momentum of 2016, the government of Burkina Faso proposed the establishment of a permanent annual observance. This proposal received widespread support from member states, including the United States, which saw it as an opportunity to boost agricultural trade and domestic public health.

In December 2018, the UN General Assembly officially proclaimed February 10 as World Pulses Day. The first official celebration took place in 2019. Since then, the day has grown in scope. Each year, a specific theme is chosen to highlight a particular aspect of pulses. For instance, the 2025 theme, "Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems," focused on how these crops contribute to agricultural resilience. As we look toward 2026, the focus remains on pulses as a primary solution for nourishing the world's growing population while protecting the planet's resources.

Why Pulses Matter to Americans

To understand why this day is so important in the U.S., one must look at the three pillars of pulse impact: Nutrition, Environment, and Economy.

1. Nutritional Powerhouses

The United States faces a complex "double burden" of malnutrition: while many Americans consume excess calories, they often lack essential nutrients. Pulses are a nutritional "silver bullet." Protein: They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is vital for muscle repair and immune function. Fiber: Most Americans do not meet the recommended daily intake of fiber. Pulses are among the highest-fiber foods available, aiding in digestion and heart health. Low Glycemic Index: They help manage blood sugar levels, making them essential for the millions of Americans living with or at risk for Type 2 diabetes. Heart Health: Being naturally low in fat and cholesterol-free, they help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.

2. Environmental Stewardship

American agriculture is increasingly focused on "regenerative" practices, and pulses are the stars of this movement. Nitrogen Fixation: Legumes have a unique symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria that allows them to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use. This means farmers need less chemical fertilizer for the pulses and for the crops planted in the same soil the following year. Water Efficiency: Pulses are incredibly "water-frugal." Compared to other protein sources, such as beef or even some other plant proteins like nuts, pulses require significantly less water to produce. This is particularly important for farmers in the arid regions of the American West. Soil Biodiversity: Including pulses in crop rotations breaks disease and pest cycles, leading to healthier soil ecosystems.

3. Economic Impact

The U.S. pulse industry is a multi-billion dollar sector. States like North Dakota, Montana, Washington, Idaho, and Nebraska are major hubs for pulse cultivation. These crops are not just sold in local grocery stores; they are a major export commodity, shipping to markets in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. World Pulses Day helps support the livelihoods of thousands of American farming families by driving both domestic demand and international trade.

How People Celebrate in the United States

Because World Pulses Day is an educational observance rather than a traditional "holiday" with time off from work, celebrations are often centered around community engagement, education, and, of course, eating.

Culinary Demonstrations and "Pulse Feasts"

In major cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, high-profile chefs often partner with organizations like the USA Pulses (the American pulse industry’s promotional arm) to host cooking demonstrations. These events show Americans how to move beyond "beans on toast" to create sophisticated dishes like lentil pastas, chickpea-based desserts (like dessert hummus), and savory bean stews. Many restaurants feature special "Pulse Day" menus, highlighting the versatility of these ingredients.

Educational Initiatives in Schools

School districts across the country use February 10th as an opportunity to teach children about where their food comes from. Science classes might explore the biology of nitrogen-fixing nodules on legume roots, while health classes discuss the "MyPlate" guidelines and the importance of plant-based proteins. Some school cafeterias participate by serving special pulse-heavy meals, such as "Taco Tuesday" featuring black bean fillings or split pea soup.

Social Media Campaigns: #WorldPulsesDay

The digital celebration is massive in the U.S. Using hashtags like #WorldPulsesDay and #LovePulses, Americans share photos of their favorite meals, from classic chili to trendy falafel. Influencers and registered dietitians take to platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share "hacks" for cooking dried beans (like using an Instant Pot to save time) and to debunk myths about pulses (such as the idea that they take too long to prepare).

Farm Tours and Agricultural Webinars

For those in the "Pulse Belt" (the Northern Plains and Pacific Northwest), the day often involves agricultural outreach. While February is too cold for active farming in many of these states, agricultural extensions and universities host webinars for farmers to discuss the latest in pulse genetics, sustainable farming techniques, and market trends.

Traditions and Customs

While World Pulses Day is a relatively new observance, certain "customs" are beginning to take root in American culture:

1. The "Pulse Swap": Some community gardens and neighborhood groups hold seed swaps or pantry swaps, where people exchange different varieties of dried beans and lentils, along with their favorite family recipes.
2. Pantry Audits: Many families use the day to organize their pantries, ensuring they have staples like chickpeas and lentils on hand for quick, healthy weeknight meals.
3. Donation Drives: Given that pulses are shelf-stable and highly nutritious, they are the most requested items at food banks. Many Americans celebrate World Pulses Day by donating bags of dried beans or cans of chickpeas to local charities to help combat food insecurity.

Practical Information: Cooking and Storing Pulses

To truly participate in World Pulses Day, one must understand how to handle these ingredients. Here is a guide for the average American kitchen:

Varieties Common in the U.S.

Dry Beans: Includes Kidney, Pinto, Navy, Black, and Great Northern beans. Dry Peas: Mostly Green and Yellow split peas. Lentils: Brown, Green, Red, and the smaller Beluga (black) lentils. Chickpeas: Also known as Garbanzo beans.

Preparation Tips

Soaking: Most dry beans (except lentils and split peas) benefit from soaking. The "overnight soak" is traditional, but the "quick soak"—bringing beans to a boil, letting them sit for an hour, then draining—is a popular American time-saver. Cooking: Using a pressure cooker or multi-cooker (like an Instant Pot) has revolutionized pulse cooking in the U.S., reducing the time for dry beans from hours to under 30 minutes. Storage: Dried pulses can last for years in a cool, dry place, though they are best used within a year. Once cooked, they can be refrigerated for up to five days or frozen for several months, making them perfect for "meal prepping," a popular American lifestyle trend.

Is it a Public Holiday?

It is important to clarify that World Pulses Day is not a public holiday in the United States.

Work and School: Businesses, government offices, schools, and post offices remain open. It is a standard working day. Public Transit: Trains, buses, and subways operate on their normal weekday schedules. Retail: Grocery stores and shopping malls are open. In fact, you might even see sales or "manager's specials" on canned or dried beans in the lead-up to February 10th.

While it doesn't offer a day off, the significance of World Pulses Day lies in its message. It is a day of "action" rather than "rest." It encourages Americans to make small changes in their shopping and eating habits that can lead to large-scale improvements in global health and environmental stability.

Looking Forward to 2026

As we approach February 10, 2026, the conversation around pulses in the United States is more relevant than ever. With rising food costs, pulses offer an affordable way for American families to put high-quality protein on the table. With increasing concerns over the climate, pulses offer a way to eat more sustainably.

Whether you are a farmer in Montana checking your seed inventory, a parent in suburban Ohio packing a lentil salad for your child's lunch, or a student in Los Angeles learning about soil health, World Pulses Day is a reminder that we are all connected through the food we grow and eat. This 2026, join millions of others across the country and the globe in celebrating these tiny seeds that have the power to change the world.

Happy World Pulses Day!