This blog was never meant to be about beans. In fact, it was supposed to be a play on words for the phrase ‘human beings’, but there’s a door that’s been opened now that I can’t close. So here’s the history of beans.
[Lovely picture of the can of beans thanks to Brett Jordan on flickr via creative commons CC BY 2.0 license]
The Birth of a Bean Empire
Picture this: It’s 1869, and a 25-year-old lad named Henry J. Heinz is living with his mum in Pittsburgh. Now, most of us at that age are still trying to figure out how to do laundry without turning everything pink, but not our Henry. He’s busy whipping up his first product – a grated horseradish sauce that would make your eyes water (in a good way, of course).
Henry wasn’t just any old sauce-maker, though. He was a proper clever clogs. While other companies were using brown bottles to hide their dodgy ingredients, Henry bottled his horseradish in clear glass. It was like saying, “Go on, have a good look. My sauce is the real deal.” And you know what? People loved it.
But Henry wasn’t content with just conquering the world of condiments. Oh no, he had bigger plans. He wanted to create a range of products that would make mealtimes easier and tastier for families everywhere. Little did he know, he was about to stumble upon a little legume that would change everything.
From Horseradish to Haricot: The Bean Breakthrough
Now, you might be thinking, “How did we get from horseradish to beans?” Well, it’s a bit like when you go to the shops for milk and come back with a new TV – sometimes life takes unexpected turns.
In 1886, Henry decided to take a trip to good old Blighty. He packed his suitcase full of samples, including some tins of baked beans. It was like he was some sort of culinary Santa Claus, spreading the joy of American cuisine.
During his two-week stay in London, Henry popped into Fortnum & Mason. Now, if you’re not familiar with Fortnum’s, it’s the kind of place where even the air feels posh. Henry, bless him, wasn’t intimidated. He marched right in and started showing off his wares.
The head of purchasing at Fortnum’s must have been having a particularly good day because he decided to buy every single tin of baked beans Henry had. It was like the foodie equivalent of winning the lottery. This moment was the spark that ignited Britain’s love affair with Heinz products, and it convinced Henry to set up shop in London.
Beans, Beans, Good for Your Heart (and Your Wallet)
By 1895, Heinz was mass-producing canned goods in Pittsburgh. At first, they marketed baked beans as a luxury item. I know, right? Imagine telling your mates you’re having a posh dinner and serving up beans on toast. But times were different back then.
A tin of beans would set you back ninepence, which in today’s money is about ยฃ2.15. That’s quite a bit more than the ยฃ1.39 you’d pay now. But don’t worry, we’re getting to the part where beans become the everyman’s meal.
As the 20th century rolled in, Heinz started to change its tune. They realized that if they wanted to become a household name, they needed to be in every household. So, they started selling their beans in less exclusive stores, making them accessible to more people. It was like they were on a mission to bean-ify the nation.
Beanz Meanz… Antarctica?
Now, here’s a fun fact that’ll make you the star of your next pub quiz: Heinz Baked Beans made it to Antarctica before most humans did. That’s right, in 1910, these little tins of joy were part of the supplies for the Terra Nova expedition.
Picture this: You’re an explorer, trudging through the snow, your mustache is frozen, and you’re wondering why on earth you signed up for this. Then, you remember you’ve got a tin of Heinz Baked Beans in your pack. Suddenly, life doesn’t seem so bad.
There’s even a photo of one of the team members taking a break, perched on a crate, enjoying a tin of beans. It’s like the world’s coldest picnic. Was this the start of the tradition of eating cold baked beans? Who knows, but it certainly proves that these beans were built for adventure.
The Great Bean Boom: World War II and Beyond
Fast forward to the 1940s, and the world is in turmoil. But in the midst of all this chaos, Heinz Baked Beans became an unlikely hero. The Ministry of Food in the UK declared them an “essential food” item. It was like beans had been given a superhero cape.
During the war, ingredients were scarcer than a smile at a tax office. Heinz had to adapt. They removed the meat from their recipe, making the beans vegetarian. This change stuck even after the war ended, and it’s how we know and love Heinz Baked Beans today.
The war years cemented the place of baked beans in British culture. They were cheap, nutritious, and lasted forever (well, not literally, but you get the idea). It was the perfect food for a nation dealing with rationing and uncertainty.
Beans on Toast: A British Institution
Now, let’s talk about the ultimate British comfort food – beans on toast. It’s the go-to meal for students, bachelors, and anyone who can’t be bothered to cook. But where did this culinary masterpiece come from?
Heinz claims that one of their executives came up with the idea as a marketing ploy in 1927. It’s a bit like saying, “Oh, I just accidentally invented the best thing since sliced bread.” But who knows? Maybe it was a stroke of genius.
Another theory is that beans on toast became popular during World War II as a cheap source of protein. It didn’t matter if it was breakfast, lunch, or dinner – beans on toast was always there for you, like a dependable friend who also happens to be delicious.
Today, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Had a bad day? Beans on toast. Celebrating a win? Beans on toast. It’s the Swiss Army knife of meals – versatile, reliable, and always satisfying.
Beanz Meanz Heinz: The Slogan That Stuck
In 1967, Heinz struck advertising gold with the slogan “Beanz Meanz Heinz.” It’s catchy, it’s clever, and it’s impossible to say without sounding like you’ve got a mouthful of beans.
The story goes that an advertising exec named Maurice Drake came up with the slogan while sitting in a London pub. It just goes to show that some of the best ideas come after a pint or two. The slogan was so popular that in 2012, it was voted “Best Advertising Slogan of All Time.” Not bad for something thought up over a beer, eh?
Heinz Goes to Space: One Small Step for Beans
Just when you thought Heinz Baked Beans couldn’t go any further, they decided to conquer the final frontier. In the 1990s, NASA officially approved Heinz Tomato Ketchup for use on the International Space Station.
Now, they haven’t sent baked beans into space yet (probably worried about the, ahem, after-effects in zero gravity), but it’s only a matter of time. Imagine being an astronaut, floating around in space, and tucking into a tin of beans. It gives a whole new meaning to “out of this world” flavor.
The Royal Seal of Approval
In 1954, Heinz received the ultimate British stamp of approval – a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II. This means that Heinz officially supplies the Royal households. Imagine that – the Queen herself might be enjoying beans on toast for her tea. It’s enough to make you feel positively regal while you’re scoffing your beans in front of the telly.