🌰 General Description
The pecan is a buttery, sweet-flavored nut native to North America. It grows on large deciduous trees of the species Carya illinoinensis and is closely related to hickory. Pecans are typically oval-shaped with a smooth, reddish-brown shell and pale golden meat inside.
🧁 Culinary Description
Pecans have a rich, buttery flavor and a slightly sweet taste, making them ideal for both sweet and savory dishes. They are famously used in pecan pie, pralines, candied nuts, and baked goods, and also add a crunchy texture to salads and roasted vegetables.
🌳 Botanical Description
The pecan tree (Carya illinoinensis) is a member of the hickory family. It can grow up to 130 feet tall and thrives in well-drained soils in temperate climates. The tree produces nuts encased in a green husk that splits open at maturity, revealing the brown-shelled nut inside.
🔬 Nutritional Description
Pecans are a nutrient-dense nut, high in healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and antioxidants. They’re a good source of magnesium, zinc, and vitamins B1 and E. Despite being high in calories, they can support heart health and help manage cholesterol levels when eaten in moderation.
