Pecans grow on trees in groups of four. It is an edible variety of nut that is enclosed within a hard husk. As the nuts grow and mature, their husks split open and the nuts are released. In order to gather the pecan nuts, the trees are shaken and the nuts that have fallen are gathered. After gathering the nuts, they are washed, lightly sanded, and polished. After these steps, they are ready for commercial sale in the market. When the pecans are unshelled, their size ranges from 1 inch to 1.5 inches. Some unshelled nuts are given a red dye to make them more appealing. But this sales technique is not favorable among health-conscious consumers.

Pecans Shells

The shell of most pecans is really hard, although it is not as tough or hard as walnut shells. In order for you to eat the nut inside, you have to crack the shell with the help of a nutcracker. There are some varieties of pecans that are enclosed in paper-thin shells that crack with just the use of the fingers. However, this variety does not occur occasionally. Within the pecan nut's protective shell is a seed, which has two lobes. This seed is smooth, and has a brown and thin edible skin. The halves or lobes of the seed are divided by a sheath, which is bark-like and dark brown in color. This sheath is removed before the nut is eaten. There are pecans that have nutmeats, which are slightly premature. This kind may have fine and brown-colored fuzz that is removed through brushing or wiping.

The Different Sizes of Pecans

The halves of premium pecans are sold commercially according to their sizes, which is similar to shrimp. If the halves are large, there are fewer of them in one pound.

Pecan Sizes = Halves/Pound

 Mammoth = 200 to 250

 Junior Mammoth = 251 to 300

 Jumbo = 301 to 350

 Extra Large = 351 to 450

 Large = 451 to 550

 Medium = 551 to 650

 Topper = 651 to 750

 Small Topper = 751 and more

The Different Grades of Pecans

Aside from a wide range of sizes, pecans are also available in different grades. These include the following:

 Damaged – The kernels are cracked or broken.

 Standard – The harvested kernels are green, fuzzy, have shriveled ends, and mottled color.

 Choice – The kernels or pecan nuts have no defects and have a dark color.

 Fancy – The color of the nuts is golden and there are no defects.

Pecans are generally abundant during fall. This is the reason why Thanksgiving recipes usually include pecan recipes. Aside from being great additions to dishes and pies, pecan nuts also make healthy snacks. This goes especially if the kernels are butter-fried and coated with different ingredients. The most common are jalapeno salt, Cajun spices, or sea salt. For individuals that are health conscious, they can opt for salt-free or low-salt pecans.

Whatever commercialized pecan product you want to buy, your options are broader on the Internet. One online store of pecans that you can turn to is Tanner's Pecans and Candies.