Guide Note

Pecans are a nut from the tree Carya illinoinensis, a variety of hickory that is native to North America. Pecans are the only variety of hickory that has undergone significant improvement through cultivation.

Fast Facts

1. Species of hickory
2. Native to southeastern North America
3. Domesticated only in the late 1800s
4. State tree of Texas
5. Reportedly effective in lowering cholesterol
6. Good source of Vitamin E

Pecans were used by Native Americans, probably for thousands of years, and were first introduced to Europe in the 1500s through Spanish exploration in the region that would become the American South. Their rich, buttery flavor has made them a traditional ingredient in confections such as pralines and pecan pie. They are also generally found in assortments of mixed nuts, both shelled and unshelled. Pecans have lately gained vogue as a key ingredient in 'pecan-encrusted' dishes, featuring seafood or poultry rolled in a wet or dry preparation of crushed pecan kernels, then broiled or sauteed.