Whether you call them Pee-Kahns, Pee-Cans, or Pee-Kins,
there is more to this nut than meets the eye.
“Pecan” is derived from an Algonquin Indian word meaning “nut
that must be cracked by stone”. Once a staple of the Native American Indian
diet, it is fitting that some of the 500+ varieties of pecan, are named for
prominent American Indian Tribes.
The seeds of the pecan industry were planted in the 1800’s,
by an African-American Slave named Antoine. He was the first person to
successfully graft a pecan tree to produce a specific variety. Sadly, very little is known about this
talented horticulturalist who worked on the Oak Alley Plantation. In 1876, at the Centennial Exposition in
Philadelphia, Antoine’s pecans were exhibited alongside the Bell Telephone and
the Remington Typewriter. The fruit of Antoine’s labor was finally realized
when he was credited with developing the world’s first officially recognized pecan
variety, the “Centennial”. The nut was known for its remarkably large size,
tender shell, and excellence. Descendants of his original trees stood until
1990 when the Anita Crevasse River break destroyed all traces of the remaining
trees. Antoine’s successful grafting techniques inspired a revolution that
blossomed into the commercial pecan industry
Pecans, a member of the Hickory family, are the only nut
tree native to the U.S. These majestic trees can reach heights of 150 feet. The
average tree begins to produce pecans between 5-7 years of age. Full production
is reached around 7-10 years of maturity, while healthy trees can produce
harvests for up to 100 years!
They are commercially farmed in 15 states, making the U.S.
the world’s largest pecan producer, providing 80% of the world’s crop. Georgia
is (usually) the nation’s top producer of pecans, harvesting more than 100
million pounds annually. Texas, a close second (and sometimes first), produces
approximately 60 million pounds annually.
Pecan harvest coincides with its peak selling season in the
U.S., mid-October through December. In
the U.S. market growers previously struggled to establish a steady demand for
their product but in the last decade, pecan growers have seen a sharp increase
in year-round demand from an unlikely source, China. Thanks to the pecans’
similarities to hickory nuts, a Chinese favorite, consumers are now buying the
closely related pecan. One Chinese treat is made by cracking the shells,
soaking the nuts in a sweet or savory liquid, and then baking it in shell. This
treat is traditionally enjoyed during Chinese New Year celebrations.
Pecans have been an ingredient in confectionary creations,
like pralines, circa the 1700’s, imparting a distinctive rich flavor. High
levels of monosaturated oil combined with the fleshy chew, create a delicate
balance of sweet, buttery, and savory.
Commercial pecan use trends toward improved varieties with “paper
shells”, ultra-thin shells that can be cracked by hand. This quality is
preferred for easier processing and higher nut meat yield per pound than their
thicker shelled, smaller kernel, native pecan relatives. The majority of pecans
being commercially produced are the Cape Fear, Desirable, Moreland, Stuart, and
Native (Wild Seedling) varieties. The desired sizing for pecans varies by
application. The artisan chocolatier usually prefers a larger-sized, (mammoth),
high quality pecan piece for decorative use on pralines. The smallest size,
pecan meal, can be used as an alternative to white flour.
Toasted, roasted, or raw, pecans are an excellent addition
for nearly every application. They are also a worthy contender in the health
foods category. A 1 ounce serving provides 11 essential vitamins and nutrients.
This tiny superfood aids in weight loss, heart health, stress management,
disease protection, and supports optimal neurological function.
In celebration of National Pecan Month, add some pecans to
your next confection, salad, oatmeal, or smoothie. Your taste buds, your health,
your customer, and your local pecan grower, will thank you!
Written by: Mr. Edward (COO) & Mrs. Joy Weaver (Marketing
Director)
