The Superfoods Guide

“Pecan” is a term used by the native people in North America for nuts that require stones or rocks to crack open. This indicates that the crop originated in North America. Based on historical records, pecans trees have been grown as early as the 16th century by native North American people.

Early settlers of the eastern part of America and the valleys of Mexico tamed wild pecans and made them one of their food sources. They used the pecan nuts to make an alcohol called “Powcohicora”. Pecans became popular for these people because they are easier to break open than other nuts found in the Americas and also for their unique and great taste.

During the last ears of the 18th century, easterners are starting to grow pecans in their gardens, even famous political figures such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

The late 1700s and early 1800s are the times when pecans are produced commercially for public consumption. New Orleans, Louisiana has become one of the center of pecan production. This is the time when varieties of pecan nuts in different sizes have been discovered in pecan groves and orchards and new ways and techniques to grow and harvest pecans have been developed. Texas has also become one of the centers of production of pecans. They also started to manufacture them into candies and sweets.

These days, pecans are still found inside every American home as candies, pralines, brittles, and other kinds of treats that use pecans as an ingredient. Eating pecans has become a tradition for many American families across the United States.