Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Mexican Jumping Beans
Feb 19, 2020
Discover the quirky world of Mexican jumping beans, where nature reigns over magic! These unique seed pods move thanks to live moth larvae inside. Dive into their fascinating history and cultural impact, especially during their heyday in the 1960s. Learn about the intriguing origins of their names, the ethical considerations for keeping them as pets, and the surprising effects of heat on their activity. This lighthearted discussion blends humor with science, making the curious little beans come to life!
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Childhood Memories of Jumping Beans
- Chuck and Josh reminisce about their childhood experiences with Mexican jumping beans.
- Josh has never seen real Mexican jumping beans, only on YouTube.
Jumping Beans: Seeds, Not Beans
- Mexican jumping beans are actually seeds, not beans, from the Sebastiana pavoniana plant.
- This plant's sap was traditionally used as arrow poison by indigenous tribes.
Jumping Beans Hit the States
- In the 1920s, Mexican jumping beans gained popularity in the United States.
- A San Francisco Chronicle article described them as "freakish brown seeds" that delighted people of all ages.