Pecan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pecan |
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| Carya illinoinensis | |
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C. illinoinensis
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| Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K.Koch
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The pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is a popular type of hickory nut. It comes from a large tree that grows naturally in south-central North America. You can find pecan trees in many parts of the United States, from states like Iowa and Illinois down to Texas and Georgia. They also grow in Mexico, from Coahuila south to Jalisco and Veracruz.
The word "pecan" comes from an Algonquian word. It means a nut that needs a stone to crack open. Pecans are very popular in cooking, especially in the Southern United States. A famous dessert made with them is Pecan pie.
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What is a Pecan Tree?
Pecan trees are known for being very tall and strong. They can grow up to 130 feet (40 meters) high and live for a very long time, sometimes over 300 years! These trees have long, green leaves that are divided into many smaller leaflets. In the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful golden-brown color.
The pecan tree is a type of deciduous tree. This means it loses its leaves every autumn. It belongs to the walnut family, which also includes walnuts and hickories.
Where Pecans Grow Best
Pecan trees love warm climates with plenty of sunshine. They need deep, well-drained soil to grow their best. This is why they thrive in the southern parts of North America. The areas where they grow naturally often have hot summers and mild winters.
Many pecan farms, called orchards, are found in states like Georgia, Texas, and New Mexico. These farms help produce the millions of pounds of pecans eaten around the world each year.
The Pecan Nut
Pecans are famous for their delicious, buttery taste. The nut itself is inside a hard, oval-shaped shell. This shell is usually light brown and smooth. Inside, the pecan meat is wrinkly and has two halves. It's packed with healthy fats, protein, and vitamins.
Pecans are harvested in the fall, usually from late September through November. Farmers often use special machines to shake the trees, making the nuts fall to the ground. Then, the nuts are collected, cleaned, and prepared for sale.
How Pecans Are Used
Pecans are not just tasty; they are also very versatile in the kitchen. They are a key ingredient in many desserts, like pecan pie, pecan pralines, and pecan brittle. They are also used in savory dishes, such as salads, stuffings, and even as a crunchy topping for fish or chicken.
Beyond food, pecan wood is also valuable. It is strong and durable, making it useful for furniture, flooring, and even for smoking meats, which gives food a unique flavor.
Images for kids
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An old-growth pecan tree
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A gigantic pecan tree in Oklahoma
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Pecan trees being irrigated in Anthony, New Mexico
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Bud
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Immature pecan fruits
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Ripe pecan nuts on tree
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Shelled and unshelled pecans
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Pecan halves
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Pecan tree in Oklahoma loaded with fruits
See also
In Spanish: Pecán para niños
