National Pecan Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

National Pecan Day is observed on April 14. Pecans are a peculiarly American nut whose fans include founding fathers such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Whether used as a salad garnish or as a standalone nibble, caramelised or roasted, sweet or savory, pecans never fail to deliver the most enticing flavour and the highest nutrient density. Did you know that America is responsible for 75 percent of the world’s pecan production? The National Pecan Shellers Association instituted this holiday in 1966 to recognise and honour the labour force responsible for pecan cultivation in the United States.

The background of National Pecan Day

On National Pecan Day, the United States honours the only native seed. Pecans are a popular American nut used in desserts, ice creams, and munchies.

Native Americans cultivated, processed, and devoured pecans for hundreds of years prior to European colonisation. The term ‘pecan’ is derived from the Algonquin word ‘pacane,’ which describes a nut that requires a stone to crack open. Pecan was prized by the tribes for its nutritional value, accessibility, simplicity of consumption, and satisfying flavour.

In the late 17th century, Spanish colonists became interested in the native nut and began cultivating extensive pecan orchards in the region. In the United States, the commercialization of pecans did not take up speed until the 18th century. By 1802, formal selling routes had been established and export of pecans had begun.

Abner Landrum, a South Carolina cultivator, created a hybrid fruit in 1882 through the cross-pollination of pecan and an adjacent native plant. This resultant kernel was regarded as an improved version of the pecan. Despite the fact that Abner’s hybrid embryos were lost to time, the process of grafting was recreated in 1876 by Antoine, a slave from Louisiana. In 1976, after presenting his discovery at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, Antoine began cultivating a new and improved variety of pecans across the nation.

Today, America is responsible for three-quarters of the world’s pecan production. Pecan cultivation is a year-round endeavour for tens of thousands of American farmworkers, from the summer roads of Texas to the sunny streets of California.

In 1996, members of the National Pecan Shellers Association established April 14 as National Pecan Day. The purpose of this day is to commemorate the earthly marvels of this nut and to honour the dedicated members of the industry who make pecan farming sustainable.

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NATIONAL PECAN DAY ACTIVITIES

Plan a pecan day

Utilize the versatility of this wonderful American nut by incorporating it into your menu. Begin the day with pecan crepes and follow with butter pecan chicken for lunch. Enjoy a few candied pecans as a midday snack, and conclude the day with pecan-crusted salmon and warm pecan pie.

Conduct a bake-off

From pastries to pies, pecans complement every baked good. Therefore, on National Pecan Day, host a baking competition with your friends and family, featuring our adored pecans.

Establish a pecan tree in your yard.

Pecans are low-maintenance plants that do not require a liver and a half to germinate. Plant the seedlings today so that tomorrow you can harvest the nuts.

5 essential facts about peccaries

Pecans contain 19 vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.

Those at risk for cardiac disease should consume pecan oil, which is extracted from pecans.

Pecans are officially recognised by the American Heart Association as ‘Heart-Healthy Foods.’

A pecan tree reaches a height of over 150 feet and a lifespan of over 300 years.

Pecans were transported to the moon twice during the Apollo space mission.

NATIONAL PECAN DAY DATES