Pecans 101 - Pecan Nation (2024)

As the only major tree nut that naturally grows in the Americas, pecans have a rich history in the United States that dates back centuries. The name pecan is actually derived from an Algonquian word that translates to “requiring a stone to crack”.

Pecan trees started as a wild species, originally found mainly in the Southern parts of the country. Georgia started cultivating pecans in the late 1800s and is now the top pecan-producing state in the country – growing over 100 million pounds of pecans each year. Whether from Georgia or other states, over 80% of the global supply of pecans are U.S.A. grown.

No matter how you say it – pee-KAHNS, pee-CANS, PEE-cans, or pick-AHNS, the pecan is proudly America’s nut.

Pecans 101 - Pecan Nation (2024)

FAQs

How much money does 1 pecan tree make? ›

Now when it is harvest time, a pecan tree can produce up to 50 pounds of pecans. The average retail cost for pecans is \$3 per pound. After multiplying 50 X 3, we have $150 which is the profit. To calculate the net profit, we deduct $63 (cost of product) from $150 (total profit) which is a net profit of $87.

What 2 states produce the most pecans? ›

Georgia, New Mexico, and Texas are the top pecan-producing states. The U.S. is the world's leading producer of pecans, producing about 80% of the world's pecan supply.

Is it good to eat pecans every day? ›

Eating a handful of pecans each day can help satisfy cravings for unhealthy snacks and provide a nutritious boost to any meal. Furthermore, pecans can also be included as part of a healthy diet when combined with other nutrient-rich foods in moderation.”

How many pounds of pecans can you get from one tree? ›

With annual average yields of 40 to 50 pounds per tree, this amounts to nearly 680 to 850 gallons of water per pound of nuts, depending on soil type. Proper management of these practices will result in fast growing productive trees.

How many years does it take for a pecan tree to make pecans? ›

While many fruit trees begin bearing fruit within the first 1-5 years after planting, pecan trees can take anywhere from 2-10 years.

Are pecan trees worth money? ›

Seedling trees can be purchased for as little as $8-10, depending on size and quantity. Improved varieties (budded trees) range in price from $10-25, depending on size and quantity. Cost to culture trees for each year of reestablishment.

Who is the biggest consumer of pecans? ›

A. The report identifies North America, particularly the United States, as the largest consumer and producer of pecan nuts. Other significant markets include Mexico, China, and some European countries.

Who is the largest pecan grower in the United States? ›

Among the many states of the US, Georgia is the largest producer of the pecans. It produces about one-third of the pecans in the United States.

What is the pecan capital of the United States? ›

San Saba Texas | Welcome to the Pecan Capital of the World.

Who should not eat pecan nuts? ›

Precautions to Take with Pecans:

People who are allergic to pecans must be cautious and make sure that they do not consume pecans, food containing pecans or food that has been in contact with pecans. There are no reports of the effects of pecan nuts on pregnant women.

Which nut is a superfood? ›

Some of the healthiest nuts include Brazil nuts, pistachios, cashews, and almonds. There are many options to enjoy this nutritional treat, but be sure to enjoy them in moderation. Nuts have health benefits, like reducing your heart disease risk.

Can too many pecans be bad for you? ›

Like many other nuts, pecans contain a high percentage of fat and can lead to diarrhea if too many are eaten in a short amount of time. Over-consumption may also lead to digestive issues like gas and bloating. Recommendation: One ounce (15-19) pecan halves per day.

How much can I sell a 5-gallon bucket of pecans for? ›

Pecan grower Bucky Geer estimates a single 5-gallon bucketful is worth about $38.

Do pecan trees need a lot of water? ›

The amount a tree withdraws may vary from a gallon or less for a young tree to as much as 150-250 gallons per day in a fully mature tree. This water demand is the tree's peak (maximum) water use on the hottest day of the summer. Water consumption is decreased before and after this maximum use.

How many pounds is a 5-gallon bucket of pecans? ›

Approximately 15-20 lbs. of whole pecans can fit into a 5-gallon bucket. This number can change due to moisture content. The pecans should be dry and from the current year.

What is the value of a pecan tree? ›

Improved varieties (budded trees) range in price from $10-$25, depending on size and quantity. Purchase price of new trees is included in establishment cost of year 1 in Table 1. Annual production costs are given in Table 1.

How much can you sell whole pecans for? ›

In January 2020, shelled pecans are priced at $5.56 per pound whereas in-shell pecans are priced at 2.08 per pound (http://pecanreport.com/price-list/).

What is the average pecan yield? ›

A healthy pecan tree, in a good year, can produce 200-250 pounds of pecans.

How many pecan trees can you plant on 1 acre? ›

The trees for this study are planted on a 30-foot X 30-foot spacing, 48 trees per acre. Some new orchards are planted on a 35-foot X 35- foot spacing. Pecan trees have a long production life if they are well maintained.

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