There’s nothing like the satisfying crunch of a fresh pecan when you’re craving a healthy snack. As far as versatile snacks go, we’re not afraid to tell the world about the benefits of pecan power! But have you ever thought about how that beautiful burst of flavor arrived from the farm to your mouth so fresh and delicious?
We’re all friends here, so we’re going to let you in on a little secret that’s going to save you from a lifetime of stale pecans and disappointment. For a truly perfect pecan experience, real freshness can always be found where any good story starts — at the beginning.
So, what goes into ensuring our pecans are fresh enough for that ultimate “yum” factor? We’re about to spill the beans (well, pecans) on over five generations of Pecan Nation expertise, including the best storage tips to keep you and your loved ones falling in love with that freshness in every single bite.
Why Pecan Freshness Matters
Why should your taste buds settle for something dull and uninspired? Freshness is a fundamental part of the pecan experience. Yes, it’s about that great taste, but when you enjoy a fresh pecan, you’re being given the best possible product that’s got to you through decades of meticulous practice, craft and dedication.
When it comes to insights on how to keep pecans fresh, we’re unapologetically passionate. After all, the final chapter of this whole incredible story is you! The journey to pecan freshness begins on an idyllic farm, where our one-hundred-year-old pecan orchards lay the groundwork for the flavor and freshness methods we’ve lovingly crafted.
The Journey of a Fresh Pecan
Why put so much effort into creating fresh pecans? Well, for starters, pecans offer a number of health benefits, providing you with a delicious snack that’s absolutely packed with nutrients. Giving them the best possible start in their freshness journey is the least we can do!
It’d take a pretty long time to tell you every step of our freshness adventure, so let’s focus on the four main areas that matter most to your mouth. Think of it like taking a bite of a pecan — small but full of life and flavor.
Planting and Patience
It all begins with a search for a site that’s worthy of hosting a pecan tree. The area needs to have plenty of water and light to feed them all of those natural nourishments to keep them growing strong and healthy. We plant trees that are between 2 to 3 years old.
Here’s where the patience part comes in.
Our darling “toddler” trees are carefully irrigated and fertilized all year round until the time comes for them to be cultivated. Our trees aren’t ready for cultivation until they turn 10 years old. That’s right — it can take up to 10 years of care and patience to grow one of our pecan trees.
Pruning, Pampering and Ripeness
It’s time for some pampering as our trees are carefully pruned. We do this to make sure as much light as possible reaches as much of the tree as it can. Natural light is imperative to plant growth and the development of fresh produce, so helping to grow fresh and delicious pecans is a responsibility we take to heart.
Our pecan tree shaker then gives the limbs a little shuffle to help the ripest pecans fall naturally to the ground. As for the other pecans, they’ve made it clear they’d like a little more time to grow. We wish them well and focus on the ripe newbies we’ve collected.
Collection and Care
Our ripe pecans are placed away from the tree base, where they’ll be picked up by a harvester. Once collected, the pecans are put through air drops to get rid of any husks, sticks and leaves that aren’t needed as part of our flavor freshness journey.
This extra little attention to care makes sure our pecans are ready to be prepped and harvested. We believe those small details make all the difference to people who buy fresh pecans!
Preparation and Harvest
There’s an art to understanding how to keep pecans fresh longer. We’re passionate about keeping pecans at the optimum freshness as long as possible. They go through one last check for unwanted materials before finally being cracked, shelled and bagged up.
After being harvested at peak ripeness, our pecans are sent off into the world full of flavor, based on the best possible standards of freshness, color and quality.
How to Keep Pecans Fresh at Home
That’s enough about our methods. Let’s talk about how to store pecans to keep them fresh at home, so that you can enjoy that unforgettable flavor whenever you like. Whether you’ve got a hankering for sweet Cinnamon Pecans or prefer the lip-smacking smoky taste of Barbeque Pecans, stick to the tips below to maintain that freshness in every last bite:
- The three sworn enemies of pecan freshness: Unlike when a pecan is being grown, a shelled pecan isn’t too fond of air, light or excessive heat. The healthy natural oils of a pecan are very sensitive, so be sure to store your pecans in an airtight container. Doing this seals in that beautiful flavor.
- Don’t fear the fridge: While a pantry can maintain pecans for a few weeks, pecans can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to nine months. The cool atmosphere of a fridge complements the natural flavors and oils, preventing your pecans from aging prematurely.
- Freezing pecans: Curious about how to keep pecans fresh longer? Freezing your pecans can store that flavor and freshness for up to two years! This is perfect for people who want to use pecans in their baking during holiday seasons to share that amazing taste with loved ones. Double-bag them to provide an extra layer of freshness when thawed out.
Choosing how to store pecans to keep them fresh depends entirely on how you like to enjoy your snacks. Just like there’s no one “true” way to correctly pronounce the word pecan, there are no rules to how you should enjoy them!
The Final Choice for Where to Buy Fresh Pecans
Now that you know the adventure a pecan goes on to get to your taste buds, why settle for anything but ultimate freshness? Choosing where to buy fresh pecans should always depend on quality, care and how that pecan bursts with flavor and goodness with each bite.
To buy fresh pecans that last, it’s important to understand how their freshness makes them such a powerful super snack. Now that you know what goes into ensuring our pecans are fresh and how to maintain that freshness at home, it’s just a matter of finding the right flavor for you!
Pecan Nation’s dedication to nutritious and versatile snacks always starts with freshness. If you’re looking for a snack that’s full of fiber, vitamins and essential minerals, there’s a savory or sweet pecan waiting to be enjoyed by you. Experience the freshness for yourself and explore our range of fresh pecans.
