What’s A Pecan?
The Pecan is a species of hickory. In the United States it is commonly found in states such as Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
"Pecan" is from an Algonquian word, meaning a nut requiring a stone to crack.[3]
The pecan tree is a large tree, growing to 20–40 m (65-130 ft) in height, taller trees to 50–55 m (165-180 ft) with a trunk up to 2 m (10 ft) diameter. A 10-year-old sapling will stand about 5 m (16 ft)
Pecan trees may live and bear edible nuts for more than three hundred years
What’s Inside?
The pecan nut itself is dark brown with a rough that starts out green and turns brown at maturity, at which time it splits off in four sections to release the thin-shelled nut. The nuts of the Pecan are edible, with a rich, buttery flavor. They can be eaten fresh or used in cooking. Many Americans enjoy pecan pie.
An American Native
Pecan trees are native to the United States. Thomas Jefferson planted pecan trees in his nut orchard at his beautiful home, Monticello, in Virginia .
In 1919 the 36th Texas Legislature made the Pecan tree the state tree of Texas.This also is Alabama's state tree. In southeast Texas, the Texas Pecan Festival is celebrated every year.
Pecans May Be Good For Your Health!
The pecan nut has a high nutritional value because it is rich in protein, vitamins, carbohydrates and nut oil. (Warning: If you are allergic to nuts do not eat pecans).
It is believed that eating nuts may lower the risk of gallstones in women. The antioxidants and plant sterols found in pecans may also reduce high cholesterol by reducing the "bad" LDL cholesterol levels.
Clinical research published in the Journal of Nutrition (September 2001) found that eating about a handful of pecans each day may help lower cholesterol levels similar to what is often seen with cholesterol-lowering medications.] Research conducted at the University of Georgia has also confirmed that pecans contain plant sterols, which are known for their cholesterol-lowering ability.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged this and related research and approved the following qualified health claim: "Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as pecans, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease."
Pecans Stay Fresh
The nuts can be stored at room temperature for as long as 6 months before they are marketed. Shelled nuts
realize a much higher price than unshelled nuts, but the processing equipment is very expensive and most
producers market cooperatively or through a processor. After processing the nuts are usually packed in
vacuum-sealed packages, which means that they can be stored for a very long time.
Quotation and the specification of nuts
Family – Carya Illinoinensis
Condition in shell
Origin – US
Production – Oct to Jan.
Packing - 850 to 900 X 50 lb mesh bags = 42,500 lbs to 45,000 lbs/40’ container
Shipping – 40’ refrigerated container from April to Oct = US$3,000 to US$4,000
40’ no temperature control container from Nov to March = US$2,000
Insurance – ½ to 1% of FOB cost
Moisture – less than 6%
PECAN NUTS/LB. % KERNAL FOB LA as Sept 09
DESIRABLE 45-50 52 US1.95 – 2.35/lb
STUART 50-55 47 US1.85 – 2.15/lb
PAWNEE 45-50 55 To be advised
GLORIA GRANDE 46-50 48 To be advised
CAPE FEAR 50-55 52 To be advised
SUMNER 48-50 50 To be advised
WICHITA 50-55 60 To be advised
WESTERN SCHLEY 63-68 60 To be advised
Click below for more info on Pecans
Pecans Varieties
Pecans Nutrition
Pecans Grades