Pecan

A pecan is a type of fruit that comes from a tree in the hickory family. It is not a true nut, but a drupe, which means it has a single seed surrounded by a hard shell and a fleshy husk. The pecan has a brown, smooth, or slightly rough skin and a sweet, buttery, and crunchy flesh. It is one of the most nutritious nuts, with a high fat and calorie content and many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Pecans are native to North America, where they were an important food source for Indigenous peoples. They are now grown commercially in the United States, especially in Texas, Georgia, and New Mexico, and in Mexico, which is the world’s largest producer. Pecans can be eaten raw or roasted as a snack or added to salads, cheese boards, trail mixes, and other dishes. They are also used in many baked goods, such as cookies, cakes, pies, and breads. One of the most famous desserts made with pecans is the pecan pie, which is a custard pie with pecans on top.