Americans like to celebrate things. We have state birds, state doughnuts and regional holidays like the upcoming Patriots’ Day. Most of these go unrecognized by the majority of the country – save for provoking discrepancies in school closings even between individual schools in the Pioneer Valley – but still we continue to honor these things.
Well, add one more day to that list, because this Saturday, April 14, is National Pecan Day. A nut with its own day – how nutty is that? Well, enough with the nut jokes; we wouldn’t want to crack you up. But seriously, an explanation of the phenomena that is National Pecan Day is in order.
According to the National Pecan Shellers Association, the pecan is the only major tree nut to grow naturally in North America. They have been cultivated since the 1500s by the indigenous populations and were popular trees on the estates of Presidents Washington and Jefferson. By the 19th century, pecans had their own industry with large bases of operations around Louisiana and Texas. Today, no trip to New Orleans is complete without a stop at the Camellia Grille, where they grill your slice of pecan pie upside down so the sugar caramelizes, and then they flip it right side up to serve warm, with the option of making it à la mode.
If you’re worried about your pecan intake only coming in the form of a rich pie with high sugar and carb content, try snacking on them plain, or include them in your trail mix. Plain pecans make a mess-free, utensil-free snack or a great burst of texture in your morning cereal or lunch salad. Pecans are a great source of protein and are naturally sodium-free, unlike many of their nut counterparts. They contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals. For portion control, aim for a 1 oz. serving, or somewhere around 15 to 20 pecan halves. That will give you 10 percent of your daily value of fiber and no saturated fat.
The University of Massachusetts system has jumped on the bandwagon of researching the nutritional value of pecans. The Lowell campus’ Center for Cellular Neurobiology researched the effects of a diet supplemented with pecans on age-related disorders. Their findings, released in February 2010, note that the inclusion of pecans as a rich source of Vitamin E in one’s diet could delay the decline of motor neuron function that normally comes with age.
To keep these nutritionally valuable and tasty treats nearby at all times, note what type you have; 80 percent of pecans in stores are shelled, and there is a difference in the proper method of storing the nuts depending on whether they are in or out of their casings. Shelled pecans should be kept in the refrigerator and will keep for about nine months; if you freeze them, they will retain their freshness and flavor for up to two years. In-shell pecans should be stored in a cool, dry place and will last for six to 12 months.
Some fun facts about the tree nut: Texas adopted the pecan tree as its state tree in 1919, though many other southeastern and southwestern states also have a stake in the industry. Albany, Ga. is the pecan capital of the United States, and they host the annual National Pecan Festival, complete with the crowning of a National Pecan Queen. With over 1,000 varieties of pecans, there are many ways to include the crunchy little morsels in your National Pecan Day celebrations.
Whichever way you pronounce it, this nut will satisfy you and your doctor when you’re planning on tackling a healthier lifestyle. If you want to profess your love for the pecan, do it this Saturday or any day by following @ILovePecans on Twitter.
Margaret Clayton can be reached at [email protected]
