Culinary Uses of Pecans

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Pecan are one of the most popular and flavourful nuts in the culinary. These are a nut produced by a species of hickory tree that is native to North America. Mexico is the world's largest pecan producer, and the USA comes in second.

Pecans have a sweet, nutty, buttery flavour and can be eaten raw, toasted and is used in all kinds of recipes, particularly desserts and cookies. Pecan pies is an American classics. 

When compared - walnuts and pecans -  pecans are generally sweeter than walnuts, whereas walnuts can be slightly more bitter. Pecan nuts are a bit more delicate than walnuts. Walnuts are the best substitute for pecans, although you would not go wrong using peanuts, almonds, pistachios or macadamia nuts.

How to use pecans

Pecans can be used for various desserts - such as muffins, cakes, cookies, ice-creams, nut brittles and others. They can be also incorporated into salads and main courses.

Pecan pie is one of the most popular holiday desserts in USA. It's made by preparing a filling consisting of pecans, eggs, melted butter, sugar and corn syrup.

We love to use pecan in our desserts and cookies such as puff pastry pecan triangles and white chocolate pecan cookies.

What pecans taste like

Pecans has sweet and buttery flavour and mildly floral foresty aroma. The outside of the nut is slightly bitter and flesh within is sweet and almost fatty. The nut itself can crumble.

Where to buy pecans

Pecan are harvested during the autumn months but they are available for purchase all year-round. Most supermarkets have pecans, either whole, halves or pieces. When buying pecans, they should look uniform in colour and never dry or shriveled. If you can't find pecans in your local store, you can get the quality one online.

How to keep pecans

Pecan are rich in fats and these fats can become rancid if stored in warm place, in bright light or if exposed to oxygen. After purchase, unshelled pecans can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 12 months.

Shelled pecans should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer and in an airtight container. Pecans stored in the fridge will remain fresh for about 9 months, while those stored in the freezer will last for 2 years. Shelled pecans should be stored at room temperature for up to 2 months and should always be in an airtight container in a cool dark place.