Pecans are crunchy, buttery, delicious and undoubtedly one of the best snacks out there. Is there more to pecans than just their unbelievable tastiness? What secrets lie beyond the shell?
As the leading provider of flavorful pecans, we know a thing or two about what makes them so unique and delicious. Read on for some of the top pecan facts that you can pull out at your next party or trivia night.
1. Pecans Are Not Actually Nuts
One of the most fun facts about pecans is that they are, in fact, not technically a nut. Pecans are actually the seeds inside of a fruit known as a “drupe.” These fruits have a pit that contains a seed that is set inside a harder outer shell. The pecans you know and love come from within this fruit.
2. Pecan Trees Have Incredible Lifespans
Did you know that pecan trees can live and provide nuts for more than 100 years? This is definitely one of the most surprising pecan tree facts. It takes these beautiful, towering trees a little over a decade to mature enough to begin producing pecans. Once mature, they can produce generous yields every year. They are a sight to behold!
3. The United States Is the No. 1 Pecan Provider
Pecan trees are native to North America, where there are more pecan trees than anywhere else on the planet. The United States is the top global producer of pecans, and the hot, humid climate of the Southern U.S. is perfect for cultivating these trees.
Another surprising fact about pecans is that they are largely grown in Georgia. While commonly known as the Peach State, we could also call Georgia the Pecan State! Around 33% of all U.S. pecans are grown and harvested in Georgia.
4. Pecans Have Been to the Moon
Did you know that American astronauts on the Apollo space missions took pecans to the moon twice? Aside from giving them a taste of home, pecans make good space snacks because they are healthy, easy to eat, lightweight and shelf-stable. As a bonus fact, the Smithsonian Institution actually owns one of the pecan packs that made it to the moon on the Apollo 16 mission in April 1972. It is not currently on display at the National Air and Space Museum, but the photos are pretty cool.
5. July 12 Is National Pecan Pie Day
July 12 is National Pecan Pie Day in the United States. Pecan pie is a staple in Southern cuisine and is usually shared among family members or enjoyed on special holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
You can celebrate National Pecan Pie Day — or any special occasion — with this Classic Pecan Pie recipe. Or, you could try something unique that still captures the essence of the pecan pie, like this No-Bake Pecan Pie Cheesecake.
6. Pecan Shells Have a History as a Coffee Substitute
Pecan shells were used as coffee substitutes during the American Civil War and World War II when coffee was rationed. When roasted and ground, they provide a similar flavor profile to coffee — just without the caffeine. Today, pecan-flavored coffee remains popular, especially during Fall and Winter. Its nutty and slightly sweet taste nicely complements coffee’s more bitter notes. Try it this year alongside your favorite Autumn or holiday season breakfast!
7. Pecan Trees Are Big and Beautiful
Pecan trees can grow unsuspectingly big and bear a surprising yield. These trees have distinct growth patterns that also make them quite beautiful. Here are some fun facts about pecan trees:
- Pecan trees can reach up to 130 feet high, but on average, they grow to around 70 to 100 feet tall.
- These trees are the largest of the hickory trees.
- The canopies have a uniform symmetrical spread with wide-sweeping lower branches on older trees.
8. Pecans Have Deep Spiritual Significance
In Native American culture, pecan trees have deep spiritual significance. They are viewed as symbols of strength, wisdom and endurance. They are said to represent the bond between humans and nature.
Pecan nuts are often viewed as a symbol of abundance and prosperity. The tree’s strong roots are a metaphor for a deep connection to the earth. These trees and their fruits are an essential part of Native American culture and tradition.
9. Pecans Have Different Pronunciations
The word “pecan” comes from Indigenous languages and means “all nuts requiring a stone to crack.” Various tribes, such as Kiowa, Cheyenne and Choctaw, named unique varieties. Pecans were an important food source to Indigenous people because they were easily accessible along major waterways. They were also significantly easier to shell than other surrounding nut species. Additionally, some Native American tribes used the leaves and bark of the tree for medicinal purposes.
With such a deep history, it’s not surprising that there are many ways to pronounce pecan. The most common pronunciations include “pick-AHN,” “pee-CAN,” “PEE-can” and “pee-KAHN.”
10. Not All Pecans Are Created Equally
If you think all pecans are the same, you would be sorely mistaken. Good quality pecans will change your life — literally! Here are some of the features to look out for in top-quality pecans:
- Light golden color
- Plump and oval
- Soft and buttery texture
- Natural sweet flavor
If you want the best quality pecans, look for those grown locally in the United States. Check that the company grows its own pecans instead of shipping them from elsewhere, as this can affect the freshness and flavor.
Get Tasty, High-Quality Pecans From Pecan Nation
Are you looking for the freshest, most flavorful pecans around? At Pecan Nation, we grow, harvest and cook our pecans until they’re perfect. We’ve been growing and harvesting our signature pecans for over five generations now, and we continue to deliver only the best products.
Our pecans are baked until delicious and come in divine flavors like Natural, Roasted & Salted, Cinnamon, Maple, Honey Roasted and Barbecue. With every bite, you’ll fall in love with the buttery, sweet flavor that only comes from premium-quality pecans like ours. Our signature Georgia pecans are grown with utmost care in our groves, and you’ll never find a shrivelled-up, brown pecan in our bags.
So, if you are looking for a healthy, naturally sweet and delectable snack, then shop the selections from Pecan Nation online or check out our in-store options.
