Pecan Perfect

The Pecan nut is native to Mexico and to the south-eastern and south-central regions of the United States, the latter producing 80 percent of the world’s commercial pecan crop. Many of these hardy trees live to be over 200 years old.

Health Benefits of Pecans

Pecans are known to have a multitude of health benefits. Some of these include:

* Reduce the risk of stroke
* Lower blood pressure
* Promote digestive health and reduces constipation
* Have anti-inflammatory properties
* Help prevent muscle soreness
* Promote healthy bones and teeth

In addition, because pecans contain oleic acid, recent research suggests that eating these nuts might also help lower the risk of breast cancer.

Pecans – The Nutritional Facts

When it comes to vitamins and minerals, pecans are packed with more than nineteen of them. This sweet, buttery-tasting nut contains the largest antioxidant capacity of any other nut on the planet. One ounce of pecans contains the same amount of protein as two servings of meat or legumes. It also contains unsaturated fat, which is known to aid in the prevention of heart disease.

Common Uses of Pecans

The pecan is an extremely versatile nut. It is used in many recipes, as well as eaten as a snack. Pecans don’t require refrigeration and can be purchased either shelled or unshelled. When stored properly, they keep indefinitely. Pecans also freeze well.

You’ll probably be a bit hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t like pecan pie. Pecans are also used in many other dessert recipes. Candied pecans are a popular holiday gift.

These nuts add a crunchy element to salad, both lettuce salad and the fruit variety. You can also chop them finely and use them as a coating for baked or fried meat.

Pecan Shells for Gardens

Pecan mulch is extremely popular. The shells of the nut are ground into small chunks and placed around plants and flowers, for gardening purposes. Some people use pecan shells for grilling purposes, much like wood chips.

Many people use ground pecan shells when making body scrubs, soaps, and bath salts. The roughness of the shells does a wonderful job of exfoliating dead skin cells.

It’s hard to believe that there are over 1000 different varieties of pecans. Who would’ve thought? Whether you prefer to eat pecans by the handful or in your favorite recipe, you’re making a wise choice. Why not incorporate them into your meal plan today? Visit your local store for our natural pecans.