The pecan is a delicious nut for eating by the handful, raw or roasted, flavored or natural. There is a lot more to this amazing and versatile tree fruit than meets the eye. Harvested for eating, for making tasty pecan oil, and much more, the pecan is packed with nutrition, and lots of interesting history, too! 

Pecans have been consumed and traded by humans for a really long time, being a staple food and currency of some Native American tribes long before Spanish settlers discovered them in the 16th century. They called the fruit of the pecan tree “nuez de la arruga,” or the “wrinkle nut,” and after discovering it in the Americas, took it to Europe, Africa, and Asia with them, where pecan trees were then raised, their fruit being enjoyed by these new and different cultures.

Did you know that the pecan tree is a species of hickory tree?  Hickory trees, in general, are known for their aromatic wood, which is great for burning in a fireplace or grill and making beautiful furniture, and for pecans! Mature at about 10 years, pecan trees are 15 to 16 feet tall and can produce thousands of pounds of nuts each season when grown in optimal conditions.

Since they favor hot and humid climates, it’s no wonder that the state of Texas is one of the leading pecan producers in the world!  As one of the country’s and the world’s main producers of delicious, nutritious pecans, the state of Texas has now commemorated pecans in many ways. The Texas state legislature dedicated the pecan tree as the state tree of Texas in 1919, and in 2001 the pecan nut was named the “health nut” of Texas, for all its healthful attributes. More recently, the pecan pie was also dedicated as the state pie of Texas. 

So, the next time you pop a perfect pecan into your mouth or take a forkful of buttery, savory-sweet pecan pie, smile and think about the illustrious history of this amazing nut. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, and some good fats, too, pecans are the best nut to enjoy!

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