Pecans

Also known asCarya illinoinensis · 碧根果

Name: Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) — the smooth, oval, buttery nut of a large North American tree in the hickory family. The name comes from an Algonquian word for nuts that need a stone to crack.

Description

The pecan is native to the Mississippi River valley of the south-central United States and northern Mexico, where it was a staple food for Native Americans long before European settlers arrived. It is the state tree of Texas. The United States and Mexico produce most of the world's pecans, and the nut is deeply tied to Southern American cooking.

Pecans are best known for pecan pie, pralines and sweet baked goods, but they are also used in salads, stuffings and savoury dishes. The kernel has a rich, sweet, buttery, slightly tannic flavour and a crisp, tender texture.

Main nutrition value

Pecans are rich in healthy monounsaturated fat, with manganese, copper, thiamin, zinc and fibre, and are a good source of plant antioxidants.

How best to be consumed

Pecans are delicious raw or lightly toasted.

1. Eat a small handful as a snack, unsalted.
2. Toast lightly in the oven to deepen their flavour, then chop into salads, porridge and baking.
3. Use in pies, cakes, cookies and granola, in moderation.
4. Pair with maple syrup or fruit for a traditional dessert topping.
5. Store in the fridge or freezer, since the oils go rancid quickly.

Overconsumption could cause…

Pecans are healthy in sensible portions, but often eaten in sweet, rich dishes.

1. Weight gain from eating large handfuls, since nuts are very energy-dense.
2. Tree nut allergy, which can be severe, so anyone allergic to nuts must avoid them and check labels for cross-contact.
3. A lot of added sugar, butter and calories when eaten as pecan pie, pralines or candied pecans.
4. Choking in young children, for whom whole nuts are not suitable.

GroupsTree NutsWalnut family (Juglandaceae)High saturated fatLow sodiumRich in zinc

Related foodsWalnutsBlack WalnutsHickory NutsMacadamia NutsPine NutsBrazil Nuts

Wikipedia — Pecan, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pecan