On your way home today, stop and pick up a pecan pie. April 14th is National Pecan Day””a day to celebrate and enjoy one of the healthiest nuts around.
Pecans are the only tree nut native to North America. Because they were so readily available, and easier to shell than other nuts, native Americans counted on pecans as a major food source (they also used the shells for decorative purposes). Colonists began planting pecans in the late 1700s, and the popular nuts became a major source of commerce for the states in the mid 1800s.
Today, pecans are grown mostly in the southeastern U.S., but also in California, Arizona, Texas and Oklahoma. U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics show that over 346 million pounds of pecans were produced in the U.S. in 1999, and 80 percent of the world’s pecan production occurs right here in our country.
Besides tasting great, pecans are packed with nutrition. Rich in protein, omega-6 essential fatty acids, fiber and vitamin E, pecans are heart healthy and provide antioxidant protection. In fact, a study published in the June 2004 Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry found that pecans are in the top category of foods containing the highest antioxidant capacity. Just a handful a day is all you need to experience the benefits.
It’s easy to find pecans almost anywhere. The National Pecan Sheller’s Association recommends looking for plump pecans that are uniform in color and size. Shelled pecans can be kept in the refrigerator for up to nine months and in the freezer (in a sealed plastic bag) for up to two years. They can be thawed and refrozen during that time without loss of flavor or texture.