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What are they like and what are they for? Never seen them here.

2006-10-20 08:55:52 · 9 answers · asked by cucumis_sativus 5 in Science & Mathematics Botany

9 answers

The nuts of the Pecan are edible, with a rich, buttery flavor. They can be eaten fresh or used in cooking, particularly in sweet desserts but also in some savory dishes. One of the most common desserts with the pecan as a central ingredient is the pecan pie, a traditional southern U.S. recipe. Pecans are also a major ingredient in praline candy, most often associated with New Orleans. Nutritionally, Pecans are a good source of protein and also unsaturated fats, where studies have shown they can lower the risk of Gallstones. The Antioxidants and plant sterols found in Pecans have been shown to reduce high Cholesterol by oxidating the (bad) (LDL) Cholesterol levels [2].

In addition to the pecan nut, the wood of the pecan tree is also used in making furniture, in hardwood flooring, as well as flavoring fuel for smoking meats.

The commercial growing of pecans began in the United States in the 1880's. Today, the U.S. produces between 80% and 95% of the world's pecans, with an annual crop between 300 - 400 million pounds [3]. Historically, however, the leading Pecan-producing state in the U.S. has been Georgia, followed by Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, they are also grown in Arizona. Outside the United States, pecans are grown in Australia, Brazil, China, Israel, Mexico, Peru and South Africa.

Trivia
In 1906 Texas Governor James Stephen Hogg made the Pecan tree the state tree of Texas. The story goes that Hogg had a Pecan Tree planted at his grave instead of a traditional headstone, requesting that the nuts be distributed throughout the state to make Texas a "Land of Trees" [4].

The scientific name is commonly misspelled "illinoensis".

The pronunciation of pecan is a source of friendly dispute among aficionados. Some people say [ˈpiː.kæn] while others say [pə.ˈkɑn]. (See International Phonetic Alphabet.) The word pecan itself is noted as having an origin from the Native American Algonquin tribe, meaning a nut requiring a stone to crack [5].

Also the word has been used locally, (southern) Louisiana, to refer to a person whose actions are stupid, idiotic or crazy (instead of the word 'nut').
Soil and Site Requirements

Pecans are native to river and creek bottoms, the soils of which are deep, fertile and well-drained and have substantial water-holding capacity. Pecans require at least 3 feet of well-drained soil above the minimum depth of the water table to develop a strong root system. Pecans planted on shallow soils having poor internal drainage never develop into large, productive trees.

Attempts to modify shallow, poorly drained soils by digging large planting holes and filling them with topsoil seldom work. At best, this is only a short-term solution. Often the topsoil-filled hole will retain excess water, causing the tree to grow poorly or die. The planting site should have good surface and internal drainage, receive full sun and be at least 30 feet from a building, other trees or a power line.


Purchasing Trees

Nursery trees are available as either container grown, bare root or large tree transplants. Purchase trees from a reliable nursery source. Avoid "bargain" trees from outlets not equipped to provide good protection from excessive heat, drying and freezing. Purchase trees as soon as they are available at a local nursery or order them at least 6 months ahead of planting from a reputable mail order nursery.

Bare Root

These trees are the most common pecan nursery trees in Texas. They can be difficult to transplant and need careful handling to prevent transplanting death or slow growth. Protect their roots from freezing and drying. Tree size is important; avoid trees smaller than 4 feet tall, and more than 8 feet tall.

Container Grown

These trees are usually smaller, can be planted anytime and are better bets to live and grow well. Container trees are growing in popularity but are less available.

Large Tree Transplanting

A significant number of large, mechanically dug, pecan trees have become available in Texas in the last 10 years as commercial orchards thin out trees to correct crowding problems. The purchaser may think that these trees will provide instant landscaping; however, this is seldom the case. They require excellent soil, very frequent irrigation and seldom decrease the development time over bare root trees. Large transplanted trees also are expensive.


Varieties and Seedlings

Pecans do not come true from seed, and every native or seedling pecan tree is distinctly different from the seed parent. Over the years, more than 1,000 pecan seedlings have been named and grafted as varieties. Only a very few of these have become established as outstanding varieties.

Seedlings

These ungrafted trees make good landscape trees because they characteristically have strong, fast growth and a natural central leader without training. Nut quality is variable but at least acceptable. Seedlings usually are better in structure and appearance than improved variety trees. Seedling trees rarely bear nuts as early as improved varieties.

Improved Varieties

If nut production and kernel quality are the major objectives, plant grafted varieties. They differ greatly in nut quality, size and attractiveness as shade trees, so growers need to select the specific variety for their needs.

Over the years, varieties have been identified which performed well in various areas of Texas. These are listed in Figure 1, with the most recommended varieties listed first.

Pollination

Commercial pecan growers must pay special attention to cross pollination; however, neighborhood trees can supply the needed pollen unless landscape trees are very isolated. Pecan varieties do only a fair job of self pollination because some varieties shed pollen early (before female flowers are receptive) while others shed late (after female flowers are receptive). Fortunately, there are good early- and late-pollen-shedding varieties available to ensure effective cross-pollination. Pecans are wind-pollinated and can cross-pollinate with trees up to 1/4 mile away.

Ideally, pecans should be within 300 feet of another variety or a native tree. If inadequate pollination is probable, plant at least one early- and one late-pollen shedding variety in your landscape.

2006-10-20 15:00:27 · answer #1 · answered by babitha t 4 · 0 0

The history of pecans can be traced back to the 16th century. The only major tree nut that grows naturally in North America, the pecan is considered the 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."

Originating in central and eastern North America and the river valleys of Mexico, pecans were widely used by pre-colonial residents. Pecans were favored because they were accessible to waterways, easier to shell than other North American nut species and of course, for their great taste!

Because wild pecans were readily available, many Native American tribes in the U.S. and Mexico used the wild pecan as a major food source during autumn. It is speculated that pecans were used to produce a fermented intoxicating drink called "Powcohicora" (where the word "hickory" comes from). It also is said that Native Americans first cultivated the pecan tree.

2006-10-20 18:35:55 · answer #2 · answered by veerabhadrasarma m 7 · 0 0

The Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is a species of hickory native to southeastern North America, from southern Iowa and Indiana south to Texas and Mississippi. It is a deciduous tree, growing to 25–40 m in height, and can be grown approximately from USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, provided summers are also hot and humid. Pecan trees may live and bear nuts for more than three hundred years, and are one of the largest species of hickory. The Pecan harvest for growers is traditionally around mid October and they grow wild in Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Louisiana and other southeastern states of the U.S. as well as northeast Mexico.

The leaves are alternate, 40–70 cm long, and pinnate with 9–13 (rarely up to 17) leaflets, each leaflet 5–12 cm long and 2–6 cm broad. The flowers are wind-pollinated, and monoecious, with staminate and pistillate catkins on the same tree. The Pecan trees are mostly self incompatible, because most cultivars, being clones derived from wild trees, show incomplete dichogamy. So mostly two or more trees or different cultivars must be present to pollenize each other. The fruit is an oval to oblong nut, 2.6–6 cm long and 1.5–3 cm broad, dark brown with a rough husk 3–4 mm thick, which splits off at maturity to release the thin-shelled nut.

Cultivation and uses
The nuts of the Pecan are edible, with a rich, buttery flavor. They can be eaten fresh or used in cooking, particularly in sweet desserts but also in some savory dishes. One of the most common desserts with the pecan as a central ingredient is the pecan pie, a traditional southern U.S. recipe. Pecans are also a major ingredient in praline candy, most often associated with New Orleans. Nutritionally, Pecans are a good source of protein and also unsaturated fats, where studies have shown they can lower the risk of Gallstones. The Antioxidants and plant sterols found in Pecans have been shown to reduce high Cholesterol by oxidating the (bad) (LDL) Cholesterol levels.

In addition to the pecan nut, the wood of the pecan tree is also used in making furniture, in hardwood flooring, as well as flavoring fuel for smoking meats.

The commercial growing of pecans began in the United States in the 1880's. Today, the U.S. produces between 80% and 95% of the world's pecans, with an annual crop between 300 - 400 million pounds. Historically, however, the leading Pecan-producing state in the U.S. has been Georgia, followed by Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, they are also grown in Arizona. Outside the United States, pecans are grown in Australia, Brazil, China, Israel, Mexico, Peru and South Africa.

Trivia

In 1906 Texas Governor James Stephen Hogg made the Pecan tree the state tree of Texas. The story goes that Hogg had a Pecan Tree planted at his grave instead of a traditional headstone, requesting that the nuts be distributed throughout the state to make Texas a "Land of Trees".

The scientific name is commonly misspelled "illinoensis".

The pronunciation of pecan is a source of friendly dispute among aficionados. Some people say [ˈpiː.kæn] while others say [pə.ˈkɑn]. (See International Phonetic Alphabet.) The word pecan itself is noted as having an origin from the Native American Algonquin tribe, meaning a nut requiring a stone to crack.

2006-10-20 09:05:05 · answer #3 · answered by Bill P 5 · 0 0

The Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is a species of hickory native to southeastern North America, from southern Iowa and Indiana south to Texas and Mississippi. It is a deciduous tree, growing to 25–40 m in height, and can be grown approximately from USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, provided summers are also hot and humid. Pecan trees may live and bear nuts for more than three hundred years, and are one of the largest species of hickory [1]. The Pecan harvest for growers is traditionally around mid October and they grow wild in Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Louisiana and other southeastern states of the U.S. as well as northeast Mexico.

Ripe pecan nuts on treeThe leaves are alternate, 40–70 cm long, and pinnate with 9–13 (rarely up to 17) leaflets, each leaflet 5–12 cm long and 2–6 cm broad. The flowers are wind-pollinated, and monoecious, with staminate and pistillate catkins on the same tree. The Pecan trees are mostly self incompatible, because most cultivars, being clones derived from wild trees, show incomplete dichogamy. So mostly two or more trees or different cultivars must be present to pollenize each other. The fruit is an oval to oblong nut, 2.6–6 cm long and 1.5–3 cm broad, dark brown with a rough husk 3–4 mm thick, which splits off at maturity to release the thin-shelled nut.

Cultivation and uses
The nuts of the Pecan are edible, with a rich, buttery flavor. They can be eaten fresh or used in cooking, particularly in sweet desserts but also in some savory dishes. One of the most common desserts with the pecan as a central ingredient is the pecan pie, a traditional southern U.S. recipe. Pecans are also a major ingredient in praline candy, most often associated with New Orleans. Nutritionally, Pecans are a good source of protein and also unsaturated fats, where studies have shown they can lower the risk of Gallstones. The Antioxidants and plant sterols found in Pecans have been shown to reduce high Cholesterol by oxidating the (bad) (LDL) Cholesterol levels [2].

In addition to the pecan nut, the wood of the pecan tree is also used in making furniture, in hardwood flooring, as well as flavoring fuel for smoking meats.

The commercial growing of pecans began in the United States in the 1880's. Today, the U.S. produces between 80% and 95% of the world's pecans, with an annual crop between 300 - 400 million pounds [3]. Historically, however, the leading Pecan-producing state in the U.S. has been Georgia, followed by Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, they are also grown in Arizona. Outside the United States, pecans are grown in Australia, Brazil, China, Israel, Mexico, Peru and South Africa.

Trivia
In 1906 Texas Governor James Stephen Hogg made the Pecan tree the state tree of Texas. The story goes that Hogg had a Pecan Tree planted at his grave instead of a traditional headstone, requesting that the nuts be distributed throughout the state to make Texas a "Land of Trees" [4].

The scientific name is commonly misspelled "illinoensis".

The pronunciation of pecan is a source of friendly dispute among aficionados. Some people say [ˈpiː.kæn] while others say [pə.ˈkɑn]. (See International Phonetic Alphabet.) The word pecan itself is noted as having an origin from the Native American Algonquin tribe, meaning a nut requiring a stone to crack [5].

Also the word has been used locally, (southern) Louisiana, to refer to a person whose actions are stupid, idiotic or crazy (instead of the word 'nut').

You could get more information from the link below...

2006-10-20 19:20:00 · answer #4 · answered by catzpaw 6 · 0 0

I have them all over my yard.
Pecan History
Native to North America, the pecan is a member of the hickory family and closely related to the walnut. Its original botanical name was Hicoria pecan but was changed to Carya illinoinensis in the late seventeenth century. Fur traders brought the pecan to the Atlantic coast from Illinois, calling them Illinois nuts, hence the latin classification of illinoinensis.

The English term pecan comes from the Algonquin Indian word paccan or pakan, meaning a nut so hard it had to be cracked with a stone. The Algonquins also referred to walnuts and hickory nuts as paccans.

The term pecans first appeared in print in 1773. George Washington planted pecan trees at Mount Vernon, a gift from Thomas Jefferson who is credited with their initial popularity in the South.

In 1846, a black slave gardener known only as Antoine, developed the Centennial variety of pecan via grafting on Louisiana's Oak Alley plantation. Pecans were not exploited commercially until the middle of the nineteenth century. Europeans had never even seen a pecan until the sixteenth century.

Pecan trees can grow to over one hundred feet tall and live to be over a thousand years old. Pecan trees are native to the Mississippi River basin, and do well as far north as Illinois and Indiana and southward to Mexico. Out of over one thousand varieties, one has even adapted to grow in the colder climates of Canada.

Australia began harvesting productive pecan crops in 1960, and Israel's production was boosted in the 1970s. It takes ten years for a pecan tree to produce a profitable crop. One tree alone can yield up to four hundred pounds of nuts in a good year.

In the United States, pecans are second in popularity only to peanuts (which are not even true nuts). The United States produces about eighty percent of the world's pecans.


http://www.all-creatures.org/recipes/images/i-pecans.jpg

2006-10-20 08:57:43 · answer #5 · answered by ? 5 · 0 0

They are a nut, similar to a walnut. They are often used in cookies, pies, cakes, candies, etc. The wood from pecan trees is valuable for furniture.

2006-10-20 23:47:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Nuts contain a lot of oils. As a rule if you can smell them toasting they are already burnt. By the time your brain registers the smell, you remove them from the heat they are already over toasted. The sugars in the agave nectar also will burn easily so you have 2 things that may cause them to over brown. If they don't taste right to you they are over done. Try again.

2016-05-22 05:46:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Pecans Were Popular From the Start

The history of pecans can be traced back to the 16th century. The only major tree nut that grows naturally in North America, the pecan is considered the 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."

Originating in central and eastern North America and the river valleys of Mexico, pecans were widely used by pre-colonial residents. Pecans were favored because they were accessible to waterways, easier to shell than other North American nut species and of course, for their great taste!

Because wild pecans were readily available, many Native American tribes in the U.S. and Mexico used the wild pecan as a major food source during autumn. It is speculated that pecans were used to produce a fermented intoxicating drink called "Powcohicora" (where the word "hickory" comes from). It also is said that Native Americans first cultivated the pecan tree.

Presidents Washington and Jefferson Loved Pecans, Too!

One of the first known cultivated pecan tree plantings, by Spanish colonists and Franciscans in northern Mexico, appears to have taken place in the late 1600’s or early 1700’s. These plantings are documented to around 1711 – about 60 years before the first recorded planting by U.S. colonists.

The first U.S. pecan planting took place in Long Island, NY in 1772. By the late 1700’s, pecans from the northern range reached the English portion of the Atlantic Seaboard and were planted in the gardens of easterners such as George Washington (1775) and Thomas Jefferson (1779). Settlers were also planting pecans in community gardens along the Gulf Coast at this time.

In the late 1770’s, the economic potential of pecans was realized by French and Spanish colonists settling along the Gulf of Mexico. By 1802, the French were exporting pecans to the West Indies – although it is speculated that pecans were exported to the West Indies and Spain earlier by Spanish colonists in northern Mexico. By 1805, advertisements in London said that the pecan was "...a tree meriting attention as a cultivated crop."

The Birth of an Industry

New Orleans, located near the mouth of the Mississippi River, became very important to the marketing of pecans. The city had a natural market as well as an avenue for redistributing pecans to other parts of the U.S. and the world. The New Orleans market gained local interest in planting orchards, which stimulated the adaptation of vegetative propagation techniques and led to the demand for trees that produce superior nuts.

During the 1700’s and the early 1800’s, the pecan became an item of commerce for the American colonists and the pecan industry was born. (In San Antonio, the wild pecan harvest was more valuable than popular row crops like cotton!)

Pecan groves (trees established by natural forces) and orchards (trees planted by man) consisted of diverse nuts with various sizes, shapes, shell characteristics, flavor, fruiting ages and ripening dates. In the midst of this variability, there was the occasional discovery of a wild tree with unusually large, thin-shelled nuts, which were in high demand by customers.

In 1822, Abner Landrum of South Carolina discovered a pecan budding technique, which provided a way to graft plants derived from superior wild selections (or, in other words, to unite with a growing plant by placing in close contact). However, this invention was lost or overlooked until the 1880’s when, in 1846, an African-American slave gardener from Louisiana (named Antoine) successfully propagated pecans by grafting a superior wild pecan to seedling pecan stocks. Antoine’s clone was named "Centennial" because it won the Best Pecan Exhibited award at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876. His 1876 planting, which eventually became 126 Centennial trees, was the first official planting of improved pecans.

The successful use of grafting techniques led to grafted orchards of superior genotypes and proved to be a milestone for the pecan industry. The adoption of these techniques was slow and had little commercial impact – until the 1880’s when Louisiana and Texas nurserymen learned of pecan grafting and began propagation on a commercial level.

Pecan Timeline (At-a-Glance)

1500’s

Native Americans utilized and cultivated wild pecans

1600’s - 1700’s

Spanish colonists cultivated orchards (late 1600’s - early 1700’s)

English settlers planted pecan trees (1700’s)

George Washington planted pecan trees (1775)

Thomas Jefferson planted pecan trees (1779)

Economic potential for pecans realized (late 1700’s)

1800’s

Pecans exported by French to the West Indies (1802)

Pecan budding technique discovered (1822)

Successful grafting of the pecan tree (1846)

First planting of improved pecans (1876)

2006-10-20 21:48:53 · answer #8 · answered by anusha 2 · 0 0

They are good for salads.

2006-10-20 09:14:22 · answer #9 · answered by Wingaddict 2 · 0 0

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