Did You Know About Pecans?

Pecans Aren’t Actually A Nut — They’re A Fruit Believe it or not, your favorite nut isn’t actually a nut at all! Pecans are seeds inside of a “drupe,” which is a fruit that is classified as having a pit that contains a seed inside of a harder outer shell. So, pecans are technically a fruit. The more you know!

What are some fun facts about pecans?

The only major tree nut that grows naturally in North America, the pecan is considered one of the most valuable North American nut species. The name “pecan” is a Native American word of Algonquin origin that was used to describe “all nuts requiring a stone to crack.”

What is a fact about the pecan tree?

Pecan trees lives for 300 years. They can grow to over 150 ft tall and have trunks that measure over 3 feet in diameter. 90% of all pecans are grown in the United States. April 14th is National Pecan Day in the United States.

Why are they called pecans?

The word pecan is derived from the Algonquin tribe’s word “pacane” which translates to “nuts requiring a stone to crack”. Native Americans were the first to cultivate and utilize wild pecans and their trees.

What is the inside of a pecan called?

A pecan, like the fruit of all other members of the hickory genus, is not truly a nut, but is technically a drupe, a fruit with a single stone or pit, surrounded by a husk. The husks are produced from the exocarp tissue of the flower, while the part known as the nut develops from the endocarp and contains the seed.

Where do pecans originate from?

Originating in central and eastern North America and the river valleys of Mexico, pecans were widely used by pre-colonial residents. Pecans were favored because they were accessible to waterways, easier to shell then other North American nut species and of course, for their great taste.

Do pecan trees grow wild?

Pecan trees are actually in the hickory family. They grow wild in the Midwest, the Southeast, and in the South-Central states of Texas and Oklahoma. They are very large trees, growing up to an average of 120 to 130 feet tall, and can exceed 150 feet under the right conditions.

How old is the oldest pecan tree?

A true treasure in Highland Park was the grand old pecan tree on Armstrong Parkway at Preston Road. This mammoth tree was approximately 75 feet wide by 75 feet tall and was over 140 years old.

How long do pecan trees live for?

200-300 years
Pecan trees reach maturity at around twelve years old, and they can live as long as 200-300 years (and continue to produce!) when grown in ideal conditions. Pecan tree height typically ranges from 70 to 100 feet, but some trees can grow as tall as 150 feet or higher.

What is a pecan tree called?

pecan, (Carya illinoinensis), nut and tree of the walnut family (Juglandaceae) native to temperate North America.

Are pecans healthy for you?

Raw pecans pack a 1-2-3 punch of protein, healthy fats, and fiber that can help keep you energized and satisfied. Pecans are a good source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which help lower blood pressure. Most of the fat found in pecans is a healthy type called monounsaturated fat.

What state produces the most pecans?

Georgia
Pecan trees, a species of hickory, are the source of the only commercially produced tree nut native to the United States.

Why are pecans so expensive?

Pecan farmers say bad weather and demand from China are forcing prices up. The price of pecans is going up, up, up, which may mean that if you’re planning a pecan pie for Thanksgiving, the time to buy them is now. The reasons behind that escalating price all come down to natural forces: supply and demand and weather.

Are raw pecans poisonous?

Toxins In Pecans
Pecans contain a toxin called juglone. If they get moldy, pecans can cause seizures and neurological symptoms due to their production of tremorgenic mycotoxins. More dangerous still, pecans are tree nuts that contain a natural poison called aflatoxin.

Are pecans toxic to humans?

In general, Pecan shells are not poisonous, and they do more good than bad to the human body. They are also useful for different purposes. The next time you would be eating fresh inshell pecan nuts, bear in mind how vital and effective the shells are too; they are not just wastes.

Can dogs eat pecans?

No, dogs cannot eat pecans safely. If they happen to eat one or two, it’s unlikely they will suffer any adverse effects. However, eating pecans containing toxic mold can be harmful to your pup. Therefore, it’s best to avoid letting your dog eat pecans altogether.

How did Native Americans say pecan?

If you explore the history of the word, you’ll quickly develop a strong case for “puh-KAHN.” It comes from the Native American word pakani, which evolved into the American-French pacane. There’s no “E” in sight in the first syllable of those words, both of which would have put the emphasis on the second syllable.

Are pecans better than walnuts?

Both of them are rich in unsaturated fats. Pecan is richer in monounsaturated fat, while walnut is richer in polyunsaturated fat, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. In vitamin content, pecan wins hands down. It is especially richer in vitamin A and vitamin E and considerably higher in vitamins B1 and B5.

What do pecans help with?

Pecans are a type of tree nut that’s rich in several key nutrients, including fiber, copper, thiamine, and zinc. They’ve been associated with many potential health benefits, including improved blood sugar control, heart health, and brain function.

Where do pecans grow best?

Pecan Tree
Pecan trees provide beauty, shade and a yearly nut harvest. The pecan tree (Carya illinoinensis) is a deciduous tree native to North America and most successfully grown in hardiness zones 5-9.

Are green pecans poisonous?

Yes, you can eat the unripe pecans that have fallen off ahead of time, but you’ll have to exercise caution while trying to peel off the green shell. In case you are unable to peel off the skin, even after taking the necessary precautions, implies that the nuts fell a little too early.