Pecan (2024)

What are pecans?

Related to the walnut, pecans are native to America, and grow enclosed in a glossy, browny-red oval shell. The kernel inside shares the walnut's trademark grooved surface but has a slightly more even, oval shape. Its skin is a warmer, lighter brown, and the nut itself is creamier in colour.

Sweet and rich, the pecan's distinct flavour and texture is the result of its high levels of monosaturated oil - in fact, it's the fattiest of all nuts. It goes well in both savoury and sweet dishes, most famously pecan pie, a classic recipe from the American south.

Find out about the health benefits of nuts.

Availability

Shelled pecans are available all year round. Unshelled pecans are around during autumn.

Choose the best

When buying unshelled pecans, look for those that are smooth and avoid those that rattle when they're shaken. Shelled pecans should be sold in airtight packaging.

Prepare it

Pecans in their shells can be opened using a nut cracker. Eat raw, as they are, or toast to bring out more of their flavour: place the nuts on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake on a medium heat for 10-12 minutes. They are ready when the kernels turn golden.

You can achieve the same effect by dry frying them: put in a dry frying pan over a medium heat, and keep the pan moving to make sure they colour evenly and don't burn.

Store it

Unopened packets of pecans should be stored in a cool, dry place - they'll last for up to 3 months. Once opened, they should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge and eaten with in 7 days.

Cook it

Add to salads or muesli; use for baking; eat on its own, or as a snack to accompany drinks.

Alternatives

Try walnut.

Pecan (2024)

FAQs

How much should pecan pie jiggle? ›

If the filling is flowing in a wavy movement from the center to the edge, your pie isn't set quite yet. Wait for the moment when the center of your pecan pie gives you just a little jiggle, like the stable but slightly wiggly movement of Jell-O when you give it a gentle shake.

Why didn t pecan pie set? ›

The center jiggles more than it's supposed to. Why didn't the filling set properly? If your pecan pie is still a little soupy, it simply means you need to bake it more.

Why did pecan pie crack? ›

Pecan pie has a somewhat similar set of issues—the filling can crack, the bottom can be under-baked, the filling can seep under the crust, and the nuts can be soggy. Like the pumpkin pie, the filling will crack if the pie is over-baked or cools too quickly.

Should pecan pie be slightly jiggly? ›

You will know your pecan pie is done cooking when you can gently shake the pie dish and see that the center of the pie is not overly jiggly and the outer edges are set. If the pie jiggles a lot when you gently shake the pan, continue cooking it until the center is a little more set.

Does pecan pie still jiggle when done? ›

Take out the pie out of the oven and give the pan or tart tray a little shake. Shake the pie gently and, it should give a little jiggle in the center. The center should jiggle a little, but it should have some stability. If the pie filling shows horizontal movement on shaking, then it is not done yet.

Can I leave my pecan pie out overnight? ›

You can leave a pecan pie out of the fridge for up to four hours—just be sure to refrigerate it after that. If you've just baked your pie, be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating—this is also an important step for food safety, as you don't want to put a piping hot pie in the fridge.

Can you rebake a runny pecan pie? ›

As such, you have to cook the pecan pie long enough for this liquid to develop a custard-like consistency. If your pecan pie is runny, simply bake it a bit longer, even up to 20 minutes.

Is it safe to eat a runny pecan pie? ›

That liquid center from your pie is safe to eat and makes a great ice-cream topping. It will keep in the refrigerator for one week. You might also want to test your oven with a thermometer to see whether it is working as it should.

Should I poke holes in my pecan pie crust? ›

And on that note…by pricking the crust all over with a fork, not only do you prevent it from puffing up into unsightly deformities, you also allow tiny holes for some of the filling to seep underneath which — hear me out! — transforms the crust into this buttery toffee-like deliciousness. Third, the toasted pecans.

Can you overcook a pecan pie? ›

Yes, you can overcook a pecan pie.

A pecan pie is likely overcooked or has been in the oven too long if the top turns black or the filling starts to crack. Overbaking your pie can make it sticky or crunchy, causing the filling to become tough, hard, and difficult to eat.

What do Southerners call pecans? ›

pick-AHN: A hybrid of other pronunciations, this one is prevalent in the southern U.S., notably in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. PIC-ann: Not many places list this as a pecan pronunciation, but it does seem to be another hybrid form of pronouncing the nut's name.

Can dogs have pecans? ›

These nuts are toxic for dogs. Eating them can result in pets becoming sick and needing immediate veterinary care. “The reason pecans are considered toxic is that they contain a compound called juglone, also found in walnuts, that is harmful to dogs,” advises Dr. Klein.

How much should pie jiggle? ›

As the old adage goes, "It needs to jiggle like Jell-O but not wiggle like a wave." If the entire pie is wobbly, continue baking. Use a piecrust shield if it's browning too fast.

What if pecan pie filling is too runny? ›

If your pecan pie is runny, simply bake it a bit longer, even up to 20 minutes. When the pie has been thoroughly baked, you'll be able to give it a gentle shake, and the middle will appear firm — if you've ever baked a pumpkin pie, it's the same concept.

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