Whether you pronouce it “pee-can” (which, according to my born and raised South Georgia sources, is the correct way) or “puh-cahn” (the way I’ve said for as long as I can remember) there is no debate on the tastiness of this versatile nut. Georgia leads the nation in the production of the native tree nut, averaging 88 million pounds each year! There are 500 varieties of pecans, three are common, and all three of those varieties are grown in Georgia. Albany, Georgia has over 600,000 pecan trees and is called the Pecan capital of the U.S.

Pecans are good for you, too! They have numerous health benefits from their oleic acid that helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels to being rich in vitamins and minerals to being a good source of fiber and protein. Pecans are high in antioxidants, higher, in fact, than other tree nuts like almonds and walnuts. Diets that include several servings of pecans throughout the week see improvements in blood pressure, heart health and weight reduction.

Since late autumn is when pecan harvesting begins in Georgia and Florida, this nut has become a popular holiday feature. Pecan Pie is easily it’s most often seen form but you also find pecans in a wide range of holiday dishes including appetizers, salads, breads, side dishes and desserts. However, this year, you may see fewer pecan dishes on your holiday menus. While nuts have long been a pricier grocery list item, severe drought and increased export demand has driven the price up to over $10/lb this year. Bakeries have upped the price of their pies and with a suffering economy, many people may find themselves passing on pecans this holiday season.

One way to spread the pecan love if you have limited quantities is to make smaller versions of your favorite pecan desserts. These Chocolate Pecan Tarts are simply scrumptious and Caroline’s Miniature Gingersnap Pumpkin Pies are topped with chopped pecans. Megan’s Turtle Treats are great for gift giving! You can also use pecans in a variety of holiday party foods like this Spiced Cherry Cheeseball.

If you do find pecans on sale, stock up on them because they are super easy to store! In-shell pecans can be kept in cool, dry storage for six to twelve months while shelled pecans can be kept sealed, in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for nine months and as long as two years in the freezer! The best part about storing pecans in the freezer is you can thaw and refreeze them multiple times without losing their flavor or texture.

While raw pecans make a delicious snack or topping for yogurt and salads, roasting pecans for use in recipes takes your dish from tasty to wow! Roasting pecans is simple and can be done in the oven or on the stove top. To roast in an oven, preheat to 300 and place a shallow baking with a single layer of pecans in the oven for about seven minutes. Be sure to check often to make sure they don’t burn. To roast on the stove top, heat a dry saute pan on medium high heat then add the shelled pecans being sure to stir or toss frequently. Don’t leave the pan unattended as they can easily burn. Once they are browned, remove from pan and place on a cool surface (like a plate or platter) to cease the cooking process.

photo credits: Carolien Dekeersmaeker, Kristie Moser, Whitney, Grace