Description

Pecan Nuts

Pecans nuts come from the pecan tree (Carya illinoinensis), a species of hickory native to North America. The Pecan Nuts  is a smooth, oval kernel inside a hard shell encased by a green husk. Pecans are technically drupes, not true nuts.

Size min / max diameter
fancy x-large 8/16″ not a complete half
fancy large 7/16″ 8/16″
fancy medium 4/16″ 7/16″
fancy small 3/16″ /4/16″
fancy midget 1/16″ 3/16

Nutrient ingredients: Protein, Carotene, Crude fiber, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron and Vitamin C, B1, B2, E.

 Culinary Uses

• Snacking: raw, roasted, salted, or candied.
• Baking: pecan pie, cakes, brownies, cookies.
• Savory dishes: added to salads, stuffing, and roasted vegetable dishes.
• Pecan oil: a light, buttery oil used in cooking and dressings.

Nutrition & Health

Pecans are nutrient-dense and heart-healthy:

• Healthy fats (monounsaturated & polyunsaturated).
• Protein & dietary fiber.
• Vitamins: especially Vitamin E, A, and B-complex.
• Minerals: magnesium, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, potassium.
• Rich in antioxidants → good for reducing inflammation.

 Health Benefits:

• Support heart health and lower LDL cholesterol.
• May aid in weight management (promote satiety).
• Good for brain and skin health.

Fun Facts

• The word pecan comes from an Algonquin Native American word meaning “nut requiring a stone to crack.”
• The U.S. produces about 80–90% of the world’s pecans, with Georgia, Texas, and New Mexico as top states.
• Pecans are the official state nut of Texas and central to Southern cuisine.
• Pecan trees can live over 300 years and grow more than 30 meters tall.