National Pecan Day
National Pecan Day on April 14 is observed to express our love and gratitude to one of the most beloved nuts native to the United States.
Full of goodness, pecans are a beloved ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes, be it classic pies or crunchy salads.
The National Pecan Shellers Association officially published National Pecan Day in 1966 to acknowledge the hard work behind the cultivation and process of pecans.
History of Pecans
The story of pecans goes way back to North America, where they are native to the central and southern regions of the United States.
Pecans were incredibly valued by the Native American tribes because of their availability and nutrition value and were used in a nourishing drink called powcohicora even before modern farming took place.
The term “pecan” is derived from the Algonquian term "pacane," which means a kind of nut that needs a stone to be cracked open.
With time, European settlers started cultivating pecan trees, and by the 18th and 19th centuries, the farming of pecans started growing at a rapid speed.
Today, the United States is the largest producer of pecans across the world, with states like Texas, Georgia, and New Mexico leading the way.
Even though pecans are classified as nuts, they are technically drupes, similar to fruits like plums and peaches.
Celebrating National Pecan Day
Whether you prefer pecans in desserts or in savory dishes, their versatility is remarkable. Use National Pecan Day as an excuse to munch on them endlessly. You can make candied pecans or bake a classic pie or cookies and share them with friends and family.
If you want to take it up a notch, include pecans in every meal of the day from breakfast to dinner, mixing them with vegetables or chicken or fish as per your liking.
You could also visit a local farmers market, explore fresh pecan products, or share your favorite pecan dishes online using #NationalPecanDay.
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