The pecan is a delicious tasting nut that can be a wonderful accessory in a salad, as the body of a meltingly sweet pie, or munched right from the shell as a wholesome, filling snack. No matter what meal it happens to be, the pecan’s versatility and delicious flavor make it a top-notch choice. Most of us have snacked on pecans in our lifetime, but do you know the interesting history behind this great tasting nut? The fact is that the pecan has played a bigger role in American culture than you may even realize.
The pecan is native to south-central North America in states such as New Mexico, Georgia, Louisiana, and Florida, as well as some areas of Mexico. The word “pecan” is derived from “pacane,” an Algonquin word meaning something that must be cracked open with a stone. Historically, colonial settlers in North America would enjoy pecans as a delicacy. George Washington himself planted pecan trees at Mount Vernon thanks to a tip from Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson had returned to Virginia with some seedlings and shared them with Washington. Many historians credit Washington for pecans gaining popularity in the South. Pecan trees can grow up to 100 feet tall and live to be over a thousand years old; the one standing in the Alamo in Texas, for example, dates back to 1850!
It wasn’t until the 1880s when pecans were commercially grown. Today, the United States is responsible for producing 80% to 95% of the world’s pecans, with an annual crop of 150 to 200 tons from ten million trees. With the United States being the depended-upon supplier to the rest of the world for pecans, many farmers understand the importance of the crop. In order to get a large yield of pecans each year, farmers will develop elaborate irrigation systems to ensure a large output so investments will eventually pay off.
When it comes to nuts, pecans are the most popular tree nut and overall are only second in popularity to peanuts. They’re a versatile nut that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Pecans, however, are a bit fattier than other nuts, so it’s important to practice proper portion control — there’s no doubt you’ll still benefit from the healthy nutrients. Throw a little into your next salad or have a few for a wholesome snack at work. Pecans have done their part to keep the American economy strong, so show your appreciation and bring some home on your next shopping trip.