THE NUTTY FACTS ABOUT GEORGIA PECANS

A Delicious Nutritious Nut:
One of America's favorite nuts, pecans should be incorporated in any well-balanced diet as a good source of oleic acid, Vitamin B-Thiamin, magnesium, protein and fiber.

Nuts are a part of most universally-accepted balanced diets, such as the "Mediterranean Diet," which includes fish, poultry, vegetables, fresh and dried fruit, nuts, grains, olives and olive oil.

Nuts appear in the meat/protein section of the food pyramid guidelines, established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Pecans have such a distinctive and popular flavor "au natural." That flavor is enhanced in the baking process or by toasting before adding the nuts to a recipe.

Like most nuts, pecans contain fat, therefore, we recommend they be used in small amounts. Fortunately, most of the fat is unsaturated, "the good type," which may help lower LDL cholesterol levels in your blood.

America's President, food connoisseur and gardener, Thomas Jefferson, was very taken by the flavor of pecans and had trees imported from Louisiana for his Monticello orchards.

History:
The pecan is native to the Mississippi Valley region of the U.S. and probably was introduced to Georgia by Indians.

By 1871, several large pecan groves had been planted in most of the southeastern states, including Georgia.

Georgia's commercial pecan production began during the late 1800s.

The pecan tree is a member of the hickory family.

In September 1995, the pecan growers of Georgia voted to establish the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Pecans (Georgia Pecan Commission) to provide leadership and funding for programs in three areas: research, education and promotion.

In 1995, Georgia pecan wood was selected by the Atlanta Committee for the 1996 Olympic Games (ACOG) for making the handles of the Olympic torches. Georgia farmers donated 60 Georgia pecan trees -- enough to make more than 10,000 torch handles. The torches were carried in the 15,000-mile U.S.A. relay and in the lighting of the Olympic flame at the Olympic stadium in Atlanta on July 19, 1996.

Production:
Georgia is the world's top producer of pecans with 75 million lbs. in 1995. Other top producers in 1995: Texas, 60 million lbs.; New Mexico, 39 million lbs. and; Oklahoma, 20 million lbs.

The all-time production record was set by Georgia in 1978, when it produced 135 million lbs.

One irrigated, managed acre of pecan trees will produce about 1,000 pounds of pecans.

Buyer's Guide:
The best time to buy pecans are during the fall harvest season.

Look for plump pecans that are uniform in color and size.

The shell of a pecan should be smooth and light brown in color.

Expect to pay more per pound for shelled pecans than those still in the shell. About 90 percent of all pecans are sold shelled.

Storage:
Pecans can be kept in the refrigerator for about nine months or stored in the freezer for up to two years, shelled or unshelled.

Pecans are perishable and will become rancid if stored improperly. When pecans appear shriveled or emit a strong smell, discard them.

Airtight containers, such as jars with lids (for refrigerator) or plastic bags with a sealer (for the freezer), are best for storing pecans.

Pecan Varieties and Other Uses:
Over 500 varieties of pecans exist today. Some of the most popular include Desirable, Stuart and Schley.

Pecan trees are prized for their lumber because they make beautiful furniture, flooring and paneling.