Buy Georgia pecans during the fall harvest season while they're plentiful. When selecting pecans, look for plump nutmeats that are fairly uniform in color and size.

To keep your pecans fresh all year: Pecans are perishable because of a high oil content and must be stored properly to maintain good quality. 

At home, unshelled pecans can be stored in a cool, dry place for three to six months. Shelled pecans need to be either refrigerated in airtight containers for up to nine months, or frozen in zipper lock freezer bags for up to two years.