Saturday, 27 August 2016

Why The Pecan Season Georgia Growers Work Hard To Make Successful Is Important

By Joshua Baker


No place in the country grows more pecans than southwest Georgia. It is a vital crop for the state and the region. Pecan season Georgia growers know, is really all year round. The nuts are harvested from October through November, but they are readily available all of the time. Although the state seems to be more famous for its peaches, these nuts are a vital part of the economy. Individuals who are interested in purchasing pecans in their shells at local markets should know some things about them.

Established orchards may look like they have been around for hundreds of years and are growing naturally on their own but that is not the case. Growers plant trees in structured designs to enhance pollination. The young trees require a lot of water or they will die, so irrigation is a cost that has to be incurred most of the year. Once the orchards are about three years old, they begin to have nuts on the branches, but it will be another nine years or so before it is profitable to shake them to the ground and market them.

A lot of people, especially in urban areas, have never had access to these nuts in their shells. They have only seen them in packages stocked on grocery store shelves. If you have the opportunity to visit a market that is selling loose pecans and are interested in making a purchase, choose the plumpest ones you find. The shells should be smooth and light brown.

Even with their shells on, pecans are fruit and as such they are perishable if not properly stored. They last longer if you leave them in the shells, but either way they should be stored in an airtight container. Keep them away from onions and garlic because they tend to take on the odors around them.

Pecans may be high in calories, but they are full of fiber and an excellent source of protein. Individuals who are watching their cholesterol levels will be happy to know that nuts are a good addition to their diet. They are delicious raw or added as ingredients to a variety of recipes.

Most Southerners know what good holiday gifts pecans can be. Baking a pecan pie and delivering it to a neighbor or friend as a present will make you a popular and welcome visitor. Many people like to add them to an assortment of nuts or candies in a colorful tin, and send them off to relatives in states where pecans are a delicacy.

If you are making gift baskets or tins, you might want to include some fun facts about pecans in with them. Our American ancestors used to trade them for goods and other necessities. They are not native to Georgia at all. They originated in Mississippi. Pecans were not a commodity in this country until the late eighteen hundreds.

Not everybody thinks about the nutritional value of pecans when they are trying to cook more naturally and organically. The fact is, these fruits are an important part of a good and balanced diet.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment