Pecans
A North American nut in which the variety affects the shell, size, ripening time and yield stability.
A large half is useful for decorating the pie; For filling or crumble, the condition of the core is more important than the perfect shape.
Seedlings do not exactly replicate the parent tree. Therefore, varietal pecans are propagated vegetatively.
History
River valleys of North America
The natural range is associated with river valleys from the central regions of the United States to Mexico.
When did the varietal industry emerge?
The development of vegetative propagation at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries made it possible to preserve valuable forms and expand commercial gardens.
Regions and differences
Documented growing regions
The map shows examples and important areas, not all countries or global market shares. Coordinates are approximate. The origin and characteristics of our batch are confirmed separately.
Georgia, USA
Traditional area of commercial pecans in the southern United States; eastern Texas also belongs to this belt.
The variety is chosen taking into account the conditions of the garden; There is no single best variety for all regions.
Check the size and yield of the halves to suit your serving.
Southern New Mexico, USA
The long hot season suits the widespread Western and Wichita.
Varieties differ in the timing of fruiting, yield and kernel qualities.
Compare the variety and yield of the batch; Don't attribute properties to an entire state.
Chihuahua, Mexico
Chihuahua and Coahuila are part of the northern Mexican geography of pecan orchards.
As in other gardens, the volume of harvest may vary from year to year.
The harvest year is more useful in assessing freshness than the geographic name.
Sonora, Mexico
Sonora, Durango and Nuevo Leon are other documented production areas in Mexico.
Several regions within the country mean different gardens and seasonal conditions.
Ask for a core specification, not a single promise of "Mexican taste."
Types and processing
Halves
Maintains the shape and relief of the core.
Top of the pie and decoration of the dessert.
Pieces
Practical shape for spreading into the filling.
Dough, granola, sprinkles.
Peeled or in shell
Yield of edible part and ease of storage vary.
For an accurate recipe, already peeled kernels are convenient.
Drying this product
How to choose
- For pie, request a share of whole halves.
- For large purchases, check the variety and year of harvest.
- Store the cleaned stock airtight in the refrigerator or freezer.
In the catalog
Sources
- American Pecan Council — Fact sheet — American Pecan Council
- New Mexico State University — Pecan history — New Mexico State University
- USDA FAS — Mexican pecan regions 2010 — USDA FAS
- American Pecan Promotion Board — Storage and handling — American Pecan Promotion Board
- New Mexico State University — Pecan cultivars — New Mexico State University