Pecans

Pecans

The pecan (carya illinoinensis) is a species of hickory native to south-central North America. Around 95% of the world's pecan crop is grown in the Sun Belt region of the United States.

In this area, the combination of year-round sunshine, warmth and moisture provide the perfect climate for the growth of the Pecan tree. Pecan nuts slightly resemble walnuts, although pecans are longer in shape, have a smoother outer shell and a higher kernel to shell yield. Pecan nuts are known to be mature, and therefore ready to harvest, any time after the outer husks begins to open revealing the shells. At some point after this,

the nuts are mechanically shaken off the trees and collected shortly after also mechanically. The wonderful aroma and taste of pecan nuts have made them a popular ingredient in the bakery, the confectionery and the ice cream industry. They are also widely used in the snack industry, eaten raw or roasted.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Pecan nuts are extraordinarily rich in fats and calories. They are a great source of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid known to help reduce bad cholesterol (also known as LDL-C). Additionally, they contain over 19 vitamins and minerals, and are also a good source of antioxidant vitamin E and fibre. They also are one of the few plant based sources of zinc, an important nutrient for proper growth and strong immune system.

Pecans are marketed in shell or shelled. Kenkko supply all varieties, sizes and processes.