All About Pecans
How did Pecans get there name?
The pecan is the only tree nut native to North America. Its buttery flavor and unmatched nutritional content have resulted in its growing worldwide popularity. Tracing its origin to the 16th century, the name “pecan” is derived from the Native American (Algonquin) word “pacane” (pacane) that described “nuts requiring a stone to crack
Can people with dietary restrictions eat Pecans?
Pecans are sodium-free, cholesterol-free and gluten-free. If you need to avoid gluten, be sure to check package labels of flavored pecans or products made with pecans to ensure not gluten-containing ingredients were added.
Are Pecans genetically modified?
No. American Pecans are not genetically modified. All of the pecan varieties grown in the U.S. have been developed through conventional breeding methods, such as tree grafting. The improved varieties are all derived from the native pecan, which grew naturally in North America millions of years ago. None of the U.S.-grown pecans contain GMOs, and the American Pecan Council does not anticipate production of genetically modified pecans in the near future.
What is the best way to store pecans?
To protect the pecan’s rich oils and buttery taste, do not store shelled pecans at room temperature. For the best quality, always keep your shelled pecans in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for about nine months in an airtight container, and up to two years in a sealed plastic bag in the freezer. Pecans can be thawed and frozen repeatedly during the two-year freezing period without loss of flavor or texture. You do not need to thaw pecans before using them in recipes. However, it’s best to let frozen pecans reach room temperature if you want to grind them for pecan meal. For in-shell pecans, you can store them in a dry, cool place for up to a year.
What nut contains fiber?
Pecans are a great choice when you need more fiber in your diet. Just one ounce of pecans (approximately 20 halves) provides 10% of the recommended Daily Value for fiber
Which nuts contain antioxidants?
Pecans have the highest antioxidant content of any tree nut. They are known to rank in the highest category of foods containing the highest antioxidant capacity. Pistachios are another tree nut containing antioxidants and are a good choice for digestion.
How Do You Say Pecan? Puh-KAHN or Pee-can?
The battle over how you pronounce “pecans” has been waged for decades. A dialect study showed that almost 30% of Americans say pee-kahn, 21% say pi-kahn, and 13% say pee-can. We’re sorry to tell you there is no right or wrong answer—it all depends on what your mama taught you to say
When is the harvest season for pecans?
Pecans are generally harvested from October through December here in the U.S. (There is also harvesting of pecans in South Africa from April to July.) Anytime you purchase pecans after December, you are essentially buying pecans that were harvested the fall before and, in many cases, when buying pecans in grocery stores you might be buying pecans up to two years old