If you know me and how much I love Pecans in recipes and just as a snack, then you know April must be my favorite month. Because as I was sharing Unique Holidays: April 2022: National Pecan Month popped up making me one happy Camper. Now, I just need David to run to the store and get me anything with Pecans. Would you like something as well? If so what would you like?
Go ahead, go Nuts. In April, celebrate National Pecan Month by recognizing the Nut that reduces our risk of heart disease, lowers cholesterol, and contains fiber, protein, and more antioxidants than any other Nut. Crowned as a Heart Healthy Food choice by the American Heart Association, Pecans offer a tasty treat..
Five things to know about Pecan:
- Pecans come in a variety of sizes. Mammoth, extra-large, large, medium, small and there is even a midget.
- Before a shelled Pecan is ready to be sold, Pecans must first be cleaned, sized, sterilized, cracked and shelled.
- There are over 1,000 varieties of Pecans. Many Pecans are named for Native American Indian Tribes, including Cheyenne, Mohawk, Sioux, Choctaw and Shawnee.
- Texas adopted the Pecan Tree as its State Tree in 1919.
- Pecans provide nearly 10 percent of the recommended Daily Value for Zinc.
Fun Fact:
Albany, Georgia, which boasts more than 600,000 Pecan trees, is the Pecan Capital of the U.S. Albany hosts the annual National Pecan Festival, which includes a race, parade, Pecan-cooking contest, the crowning of the National Pecan Queen and many other activities.
The U.S. produces about 80 percent of the world’s Pecan crop.
Native Americans utilized and cultivated wild Pecans in the 1500s. Pecan Tress is the only tree native to North America and is considered one of the most valuable North American Nut species.
NATIONAL PECAN MONTH ACTIVITIES
- ” With so many varieties of Pecans available, and so many recipes eager to add them, invite guests to bring their own recipes and host a cook off.
- There are over 500 different varieties of Pecans with slightly different characteristics including flavor, texture, size, color, and shape.
- Prepare Pecans with Cinnamon, Salt, Honey, or Chocolate, making a brittle. Pecans are an easy ingredient to mix with recipes.
4 NUTTY FACTS ABOUT PECANS
- Pecans call North America home. Pecans are the only major Nut that grows naturally in North America. The Pecan is considered one of the most valuable North American Nut species.
- The name “Pecan” is a Native American word of Algonquin origin that was used to describe “all Nuts requiring a stone to crack.”
- The Southern States of the U.S. are the primary locations for Pecan production, stretching from California all the way to Florida and the Carolinas.
- ”To this day there is debate over whether to say “PEE-can” or “puh-KAHN.” It is universally agreed that the pronunciation is a regional preference, but in the end, both are right depending on whom you ask.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL PECAN MONTH
- Pecans are rich in fiber, and that helps your heart. Pecans can reduce the risk of heart disease, Coronary Artery Disease, Strokes, and some forms of Cancer.
- The fiber contained in Pecans promotes Colon Health reducing the risk of Colitis, Colon Cancer and Hemorrhoids.
- Pecans are a rich source of Manganese, which is a powerful Antioxidant. This trace Mineral helps boost your Immune system and protects your Nerve Cells from Free-Radical damage. Adequate intake of Manganese is vital for Nerve and Brain function.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
