History Of Pecans

HISTORY OF PECANS

Pecans are our Georgia super food! Look (please see below) at all the vitamins and minerals that are in pecans.

Pecans are the only nuts that are native to North America. The name pecan is actually an Algonquin word “pakan” or “paccan”, which means “a fruit that can be enjoyed after breaking the shell with a stone.” Let’s also briefly go over some of the history of pecans as well as scientific information on them. 

History of pecans Southern Nuts Lyons GA Picture of pecans

Pecans are actually in the hickory family. Hickory nuts are round in shape, while pecans are a longer  oval shape.  Thomas Jefferson and George Washington  both loved pecans and grew them on their plantations. Pecan trees can grow as high as 100 and can live for many many years. Pecans are only second in popularity after peanuts. The United States grows 80% of all pecan nuts in the world.

Health Benefits of Pecans

  • Pecans are free of cholesterol and actually help in lowering LDL cholesterol levels.

  • Pecans are good sources of oleic acid that prevent the proliferation of cancer cells.

  • Pecans contain phytochemicals such as ellagic acid, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, and Vitamin E, which make it a good antioxidant.

  • Pecans are also one of the best sources of B complex vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic, folate, vitamin B6, and thiamin.

  • Pecans provide essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, potassium, and manganese to the body