#NationalPecanDay

[rabbitcruiser]

National Pecan Day

On April 14, we celebrate National Pecan Day, pecan — a uniquely American nut whose fan base counts the likes of founding fathers such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Whether it’s a garnish on a salad or a stand-alone snack, caramelized or roasted, sweet or savory — pecans never fail to deliver on the enthralling taste and the ultimate nutrient density. Did you know, America is credited for 75% of the world’s total pecan production? This fun holiday was established by the National Pecan Shellers Association in 1966 to recognize and honor the workforce behind the cultivation of pecans in America.

History of National Pecan Day

On National Pecan Day, America celebrates the only nut native to its land. Pecans are a much-celebrated nut of America, used in deserts, icecreams, and snacks.

Centuries before European colonization, pecans were cultivated, processed, and consumed in America by Native people. The word ‘pecan’ is derived from the word ‘pacane,’ used by the Algonquin tribe to describe a nut that needs a stone to crack open. The tribes valued pecan for its nutrition density, availability, ease of consumption, and fulfilling taste.

In the late 17th century, the native nut caught the eye of Spanish colonists, who began cultivating large pecan orchards in the vicinity. But it wasn’t until the 18th century that the commercialization of pecans picked up the pace in the United States. By 1802, formal selling routes were established, and pecan export had commenced.

In 1882, a hybrid fruit via the budding of pecan and an adjacent wild plant was created by Abner Landrum, a cultivator from South Carolina. This resultant nut was considered to be an upgraded version of pecan. Although the hybrid seeds of Abner got lost in time, in 1876, the process of grafting was recreated by Antoine, a slave from Louisiana. Antoine presented his discovery at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1976 and thus began farming a new and improved variety of pecans throughout the country.

Today, America is responsible for three quarters of pecan production in the world. From the summer lanes of Texas to the sunny pavements of California, pecan cultivation is a year-long endeavor for thousands of American farmworkers.

In 1996, the National Pecan Shellers Association members came together to establish April 14 as National Pecan Day. The objective of the day is to celebrate the earthly wonders of this nut and to uplift the hardworking members of the industry who make the sustainable farming of pecans possible.

National Pecan Day timeline

1772 The First Plantation

Long Island farmers organize the first pecan plantation of pecan trees, propagating safe and easy ways of pecan plantation.

1775 George Washington’s Imprint

Founding Father George Washington plants a pecan tree in Mount Vernon, symbolizing the rapid popularity of pecans in America.

1943 Formalization

National Pecan Shellers Association is established to represent thousands of pecan farmers and shellers across the country

1996 Establishment of the Day

The National Pecan Shellers Association establishes National Pecan Day to honor the native nut of America.

National Pecan Day FAQs

How is 'pecan' pronounced?

The correct pronunciation of pecan is PEE-can. However, a majority of southern Americans like to say it as PA-kawn. How do you pronounce it?

Are pecan and walnut the same thing?

It’s easy to get confused, but walnuts and pecans are two different nuts from the same Junlandacea family. Walnut has a smooth exterior with a lighter color, unlike pecans, which have a chocolate brown color with definitive lines.

Can you eat pecan raw?

Yes! Pecans, like all other nuts, are edible in their raw form. You can carry a couple of these shelled nuts in your pocket to munch through the day, or you can scatter them on your salad for that extra crunch.

National Pecan Day Activities

Plan a pecan day

Host a bake off

Plant a pecan tree in your backyard

Indulge in the versatile offering of this great American nut by planning your menu around it. Start the day with fluffy pecan pancakes, then have butter pecan chicken for lunch. For a midday snack, enjoy a couple of candied pecans, and end your day with pecan-crusted salmon and some hot pecan pie.

From cookies to pies, pecans go well with any baking dish. So for National Pecan Day, host a bakeoff with your friends and family — featuring our beloved pecans.

Pecans are non-fuss plants that don’t require a liver and a half to take sapling. Plant the seeds today, so you can reap the nuts tomorrow.

5 Important Facts About Pecans

It’s a vitamin party

It’s more than a crunch

A friend to the heart

A love for centuries

A dose of pecan for Apollo

Pecans are home to 19 different vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.

Pecan oil, processed from pecans, is recommended for those with a risk of heart disease.

Pecans have the official certification of the American Heart Association for being a ‘Heart-Healthy Food.’

A pecan tree grows to over 150 feet tall and lives for over 300 years.

Astronauts carried pecans to the moon in their Apollo space mission twice.

Why We Love National Pecan Day

Pecans are underrated

Pecans are the O.G. American nut

Pecans contribute to the economy

The sweet and crunchy texture of a pecan elevates any dish it touches. Be it candies, cookies, bread, pie, salads, or ice cream. It’s time we honor the contribution of this humble nut in our kitchen and celebrate National Pecan Day with full excitement.

While cashew came to America from Brazil and the California almonds are actually a gift of Spain, pecan is the singular nut native to America. Pecans were widely consumed by native Americans before European colonization.

The American pecan industry is worth over $3.5 billion. Just 15 states of the U.S. produce more than 75% of pecan of the world. The pecan trees are responsible for the livelihoods of thousands of families and a flourishing U.S. economy

Source

[iffoundreturntosea]

April 14, Day 104/105

Day 104 2015

We mustache crazy!!

#mustache #love #family #funtimes #laugh #smile #picoftheday #project365 #day104

I love us!

Day 105 2016

Just something I see everyday (I'll be glad when April is over!)

#quilt #craft #art #create #imagine #shadesofspring #pastels #april #picoftheday #project365 #day105

Day 104 2017

Bruce and niece made quesadillas for lunch!

#quesadilla #yum #niece #lunch #cook #food #bruce #gooddaybruce #findingnemo #shark #april #picoftheday #project365 #day104

Day 104 2018

Pink Evening/Showy Primrose (Oenothera speciosa)

#primrose #pinkeveningprimrose #showyprimrose #pinkflowers #lookatthatcenter #macro #upclose #pollen #anther #pistil #petals #texas #spring #wildflowers #nature #outdoors #april #bouquet #picoftheday #project365 #day104

Day 104 2019

Not quite ready to eat!

#texas #spring #treenut #nut #notreadytoeat #fallen #cracked #squirrelfood #pecan #nationalpecanday #april #april14 #2019 #nationalday #nationaldaycalendar #picoftheday #project365 #day104

Day 105 2020

Niece has a dark side 🤣 She drew this for this specific background! Ha! Vampire wolves and vamp cats...bunnies for dinner! 😳

#spooky #darkside #art #create #imagine #drawingsbyniece #april #april14 #2020 #picoftheday #project365 #day105

Day 104 2021

Otterly adorable

#otter #smile #lookatthatface #texasstateaquarium #socute #punny #april #april14 #2021 #picoftheday #project365 #day104

I can't get over those teeth! ha

Day 104 2022

Wave watching and shell crunching before bed!

#sisters #love #support #vacation #galveston #beach #moon #april #april14 #2022 #picoftheday #project365 #day104

This was a very emotionally charged trip for me. I'm glad I had my sister with me.

Day 104 2023

Good morning

#beforework #sunrise #beach #spring #coast #texas #nature #beautiful #sand #water #magnus #magnifybeauty #april #april14 #2023 #picoftheday #project365 #day104

Sometimes it is worth waking up a little too early...sometimes.

Day 105 2024

What a pretty little leaf 💚

#somethinginspiring #dailytheme #greenleaf #quote #april #april14 #2024 #picoftheday #project365 #day105

[alrederedmixedmedia]

Alredered is celebrating #NationalPecanDay to-day. Have some pralines!

[duranduratulsa]

Happy National Pecan Day! #food #foodporn #nuts #pecans #NationalPecanDay

[nexusdestinations]

National Pecan Day was established on April 14, 1996, by the National Pecan Shellers Association members to celebrate the wonders of this nut and to uplift the hardworking members of the industry who make the sustainable farming of pecans possible. Pecans are delicious when eaten so add some to your cereal 🥣 for breakfast or have some ice-cream 🍨 topped with pecans for dessert. How do you enjoy your pecans? #NationalPecanDay #pecan #April14 #pecans #NexusDestinations https://www.instagram.com/p/CcWrEkrLqGs/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sfc-paulchambers]

• @natdaycal Today we encourage everyone to reach as high as possible while trying new things and attaining their goals. For instance, new foods can be a challenge at times. So we recommend looking at laverbread and believe you will be pleasantly surprised. #LaverbreadDay #NationalGardeningDay #ExSpouseDay #NationalDolphinDay #LookUpAtTheSkyDay #NationalPecanDay #ReachAsHighAsYouCanDay #NationalPanAmericanDay Did you know tomorrow never comes? That is why we Celebrate Every Day. Tag @NatDayCal with your favorite way to celebrate the over 1,500 National Days. (at Middle Tennessee Area) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcWA0aHuNcA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[snapdragonhemp]

It's National Pecan Day! We're proud to be doing things different here at Snapdragon Hemp. That's why we're one of the only hemp companies to be offering INSANELY delicious infused NUTS for your snacking pleasure. We have two types of pecans infused with THC-O: Sweet Bourbon Glazed, and Spicy Whiskey Fire! These come dosed at 150mg per 10oz bag. Sign up for our email service to get the latest & greatest for deals, news, and updates for more holidays and events!

[kevinmason]

Today is National Pecan Day. #pecanday . . . . . #pecan #pecans #nationalpecanday #todayis #socialmedia #intensitymedia #noBS #nobull #noBSsocialmedia #noBSsocial #philosophy #nashville #musicrow #musiccity #musiccityusa #tennessee #youtube #videoseries #marketing #media #music #whatwedo #howcanwehelp #socialmediatips #totallyfree #nospin https://www.instagram.com/p/CcUbppDAW_9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[pjrobesq]

I went to the doctor today. My numbers were good!!! Time for my late night shower, late night constitutional, and late night celebratory #nationalpecanday snack!! @pepperidgefarm @talenti https://www.instagram.com/p/CNq2msSpP1v_xPyWsSu7oAKGYAaPz-77rEZeWs0/?igshid=pq3ivasisz0t

[rabbitcruiser]

Pecan Day is a commemoration of the plating on a pecan tree by George Washington at the Mount Vernon estate March 25th 1775. The pecan tree sapling was gifted to him by Thomas Jefferson, who had planted a few pecan trees from the southern US at Monticello, VA.

The pecan, native to southern North America, is sometimes called “America’s own nut.” First cultivated by Native Americans, it has been transplanted to other counties but as failed to achieve wide use or popularity outside the US.There are many ways people can show their love for pecans – like grabbing a handful to munch on, adding them to salads, making a delightful pecan pie, eating pecan crusted fish for dinner or having pecan ice cream.

Share the joy by throwing a fun Pecan Day party and pecans are a wonderful party snack that can be served in a variety of styles such as popular praline-flavoured pecans. Plant a lovely pecan tree to make it a memorable day to always come back to.

Source

[nique1906]

#Repost @cinnaholic.littlerock with @make_repost ・・・ Crunchy, gooey, sweet & decadent! This roll is chocolate frosting topped with chopped pecans and caramel sauce, it's the answer to #nationalpecanday 💜💜 https://www.instagram.com/p/CNqAprklsAH/?igshid=1aspx6mc5t7xt

[violasbabygirl]

#nationalreachashighasyoucanday #nationalpecanday https://www.instagram.com/p/BwRb9DnpykC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=6itpsdby1ge8

[pathhc-blog]

Let’s get nutty about this amazing nut! Pecans Have the Highest Fat Content of Any Nut -- And It’s the Good Kind of Fat! More than 70% of pecans is made up of fat. Before you steer clear of the nuts, rest assured: it’s the good kind of fat. Scientists have found that only certain types of fat are unhealthy to include in your diet. For example, saturated and trans fats are associated with higher levels of cholesterol and greater risk of cardiovascular disease. In contrast, pecans are full of healthy monounsaturated fats and contain very few saturated fats They are a particularly good source of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that has been shown to improve immune system functioning, reduce inflammation, and potentially reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Pecans Contain Vitamin E, Which Has Antioxidant Effects and May Boost Immune Activity Pecans are one of the best known dietary sources of vitamin E, which has antioxidant effects. Pecans Are a Plant-Based Source of Protein Pecans As a Source of Thiamin Thiamin, also known as vitamin B1, is one of the B complex vitamins. It helps your cells grow, develop, and divide, ensuring proper cellular health. Failing to get enough thiamin can negatively impact your metabolism and lead to certain neurological problems. Pecans are Rich in Critical Minerals for Growth and Metabolism Pecans are a great source of manganese (one ounce provides 63% of your recommended daily intake) and copper (one ounce contains 12% of your daily intake) These minerals are critical components of enzymes that your body needs to perform physiological reactions within your cells. Failing to get enough of these minerals can cause problems with your growth and metabolism. How does a pecan grow… https://www.pbs.org/video/pecans-bh1n6j/ #nationalpecanday #pecanday https://www.instagram.com/p/BwPJYVVjtPj/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=w7vyarry71gd

[pipskay]

So today my Lovelies Sunday 14, 2019 is #palmsunday2019 and it is #nationalpanamericanday and it is #nationalreachashighasyoucanday And it is #nationaldolphinday🐬 And it is #nationalgardeningday And it is #nationalpecanday and it ie #nationalexspouseday 😒 really? https://www.instagram.com/pipskay/p/BwOJnx8h_js/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=dydndpsdfot1

[pjrobesq]

My #midnightsnack has it going on!!! #nationalpecanday #interntionalwaffleday @eggo_us @fishernutsbrand @rediwhip https://www.instagram.com/p/CM3ppFqpGU88CrZzL0G7GmpwAWaaJmclhAjCIU0/?igshid=sklh9cqwnn6o

[sumptuousmedia-blog]

We do love our Georgia Pecans! #nationalpecanday #georgia #georgiafilm #weloveatl #atlanta #commercialproduction #commercialphotography #sumptuous #tabletop #motioncontrol (at Sumptuous Media)