Nut | Gluten Free Low Carb Vegetarian

Pecans

Carya illinoinensis Allergens: Tree Nuts
pecans

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Juglandaceae
  • Primary Cuisine North American
  • Seasonality Late Fall to Winter (Peak); Year-Round (Processed)
  • Source Pecan tree

The Forktionary Angle

"The Southern Gem: Celebrate the rich heritage and unparalleled buttery crunch of pecans, a versatile ingredient from appetizer to dessert."

Definition

A type of edible nut, native to the Americas, known for its buttery flavor and rich, crunchy texture, widely used in baking and savory dishes.

Sensory Profile

TasteButtery, earthy, slightly sweet
TextureCrunchy, oily, firm
AromaNutty, woody
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Antioxidant Capacity (ORAC)

Very High (highest among tree nuts)

Global Production (2020)

~180,000 metric tons

Unsaturated Fat Content

~90% (monounsaturated)

Nutrition Facts

Per 28g (1/4 cup)
Calories691 kcal
Total Fat71.97g
Saturated Fat6.18g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein9.17g
Total Carbohydrate13.86g
Dietary Fiber9.6g
Total Sugars3.97g
Calcium70mg
Iron2.53mg
Potassium410mg

Chef’s Secret

Toasting pecans briefly enhances their natural oils and deepens their buttery, nutty flavor, crucial for pies and garnishes.

Substitutions

Best Match

Walnuts

1:1

Similar texture and fat content, good for baking and savory dishes.

Macadamia Nuts

1:1

Higher fat, very buttery, excellent for richness in desserts.

Almonds (sliced)

1:1

Good textural substitute for crunch, though less buttery flavor.

Cashews

1:1

Softer texture, but offers a rich, creamy note in some applications.

Buying Guide

Choose pecans that are plump, unbroken, and free from cracks. Store in the refrigerator or freezer for freshness.

Flavor Pairings

Maple syrup brown sugar chocolate bourbon sweet potato chicken salads.

Recipes Using Pecans

Vegetarian Fruit Pasta Rice And Grains Vegetarian

Apple Cider Wild Rice Pilaf Treasure

This Apple Cider Wild Rice Pilaf is a treasure trove of flavor! A quick and easy recipe, ready in under 75 minutes, it combines the nutty heartiness of wild rice with the sweet tang of apple cider and the delightful crunch of pecans and cranberries. Impress your family and friends with this festive and delicious side dish, perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or any weeknight meal.

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Preparation Inexpensive Dietary Occasion

Apple Nut Pancakes Vegan

Warm up your mornings with these fluffy Apple Nut Vegan Pancakes! Perfect for fall and winter breakfasts, or anytime you crave a cozy, delicious treat. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with autumnal flavors, these pancakes are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy them warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of vegan whipped cream!

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Breads Preparation Time To Make Course

Apple Pecan Muffins

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of these Apple Pecan Muffins! This recipe, a family favorite perfected over 20 years, delivers moist, tender muffins bursting with juicy apples and crunchy pecans (or walnuts!). A touch of cinnamon sugar adds a delightful sweet crunch to each bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat.

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Preparation Taste Mood Occasion Meat

Apple Salad

This vibrant and refreshing apple salad is a family favorite, quick and easy enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for a crowd! My mom's recipe delivers a delightful balance of sweet and tart, perfect as a light salad or a unique dessert. The beautiful colors make it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. Get ready to make a HUGE bowl full in just 20 minutes!

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Time To Make Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Desserts

Applesauce Streusel Cake

Indulge in the irresistible aroma of warm spices and apples as this easy Applesauce Streusel Cake bakes! This comforting dessert is surprisingly simple to make, despite the ingredient list. The moist cake, topped with a crunchy streusel and your favorite nuts, is perfect for any occasion. Get ready to be amazed by the incredible flavor and texture – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Course Course 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make

Apricot Tea Bread

Unearth a vintage baking treasure! This Apricot Tea Bread recipe, unearthed from a forgotten floppy disk (yes, really!), is a delightful blend of sweet apricots and warm spices. A nostalgic treat perfect for afternoon tea or a special brunch. Get ready to bake a piece of history!

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Occasion Low Protein 30 Minutes Or Less Low Sodium

Arugula Tomato And Corn Salad

Capture the taste of summer with this vibrant arugula, tomato, and corn salad, inspired by Atlanta's renowned Mi Spia Ristorante! Sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, peppery arugula, and crunchy pecans come together in a light and zesty vinaigrette. This easy 30-minute recipe is perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or summer BBQ. Elevate your meal with the fresh flavors of Italy!

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4 Hours Or Less Number Of Servings Oven Breads

Aunt Carrie's Banana Bread

This isn't just banana bread; it's a legend! For over 50 years, this recipe (from a cherished, yellowed newspaper clipping) has been a family favorite. My Aunt Carrie, a renowned caterer, considered this her most requested treat. Her handwritten success notes are testament to its irresistible flavor. Get ready to bake a slice of history – moist, nutty, and utterly unforgettable!

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Course Easy Healthy 2 Occasion

Aunt Meda's Cranberry Salad

A family favorite, this cranberry salad recipe from Aunt Meda is bursting with tart cranberries, sweet oranges, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering, this easy-to-make salad requires minimal prep and chills overnight to develop its signature flavor profile. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Dietary Low Sodium Course Technique

Avocado Mandarin Salad

A vibrant and refreshing Avocado Mandarin Salad, perfect as a light lunch or a zesty side dish to complement your favorite Tex-Mex feast! Sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy pecans, and creamy avocado combine in a delightful dance of flavors. This easy 20-minute recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

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Weeknight Occasion To Go Fruit

Bacardi Rum Cake

Indulge in this moist and decadent Bacardi Rum Cake, perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion! This classic recipe, adapted from an old magazine favorite, boasts a rich, rum-soaked flavor and stunning presentation. The simple instructions make it surprisingly easy to create this show-stopping dessert that's sure to impress your guests.

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Course Cakes Desserts Time To Make

Bahama Mama Banana Rum Cake

Escape to paradise with this decadent Bahama Mama Banana Rum Cake! A blissful fusion of a classic rum cake and pound cake, infused with the irresistible flavors of banana and spiced dark rum. This moist and dense cake isn't heavy; instead, it delivers a delightful, spicy molasses kick that perfectly complements the rich banana flavor. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Choose light or dark brown sugar to customize your sweetness!

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For 1 Or 2 Tropical Fruit 15 Minutes Or Less No Cook

Bahama Mamma Breakfast Spread

Escape to paradise with this tropical twist on breakfast! Our Bahama Mama Breakfast Spread is a vibrant and flavorful alternative to plain cream cheese, bursting with the bright flavors of pineapple, coconut, and a hint of rum. Quick and easy to make (ready in 5 minutes!), it's the perfect topping for toast, bagels, waffles, or even fresh fruit. Start your day with a taste of the islands!

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Course Time To Make Preparation Eggs Dairy

Baked Brie With Pear Topping

This elegant and easy baked brie recipe is ready in just 15 minutes! A sophisticated twist on a classic appetizer, featuring sweet pears, crunchy pecans, and a touch of brown sugar. Impress your guests with this simple yet delicious recipe, perfect for parties or a cozy night in.

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Oven Cookies And Brownies Main Ingredient Equipment

Best Pecan Sandies

These melt-in-your-mouth pecan sandies are a holiday MUST-BAKE! This generous recipe ensures there are plenty to share (or hoard…we won't judge!). Buttery, nutty, and perfectly sweet, these cookies disappear fast. The secret? Ample butter for that ultimate richness and delicate crumb. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Time To Make Desserts Number Of Servings Brownies

Better Than Sex Brownies

Indulge in these decadent Better Than Sex Brownies, a family favorite passed down for generations! This recipe delivers intensely rich, gooey brownies with a surprising caramel and pecan swirl. Get ready for the ultimate chocolate experience – so good, it's better than sex!

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Desserts Fruit Equipment Number Of Servings

Cherry Nut Bars

Indulge in these heavenly Cherry Nut Bars, a unique twist on a classic recipe! From the Land O' Lakes region, these bars feature a buttery oat crust, juicy cherries, crunchy pecans, and a surprising secret ingredient: marshmallows! You won't even taste them, but they add an incredibly creamy texture that perfectly complements the sweet cherries. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful and unexpectedly delicious treat.

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Occasion Seasonal Easy Pancakes And Waffles

Healthy Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pie Pancakes

Indulge in the warm, cozy flavors of fall with these fluffy, healthy whole wheat pumpkin pie pancakes! Packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, they're a delicious and guilt-free breakfast or brunch treat. These pancakes are incredibly versatile – freeze them for a quick and easy meal later, or make them even lighter by substituting a tablespoon of pumpkin with canola oil. Get ready for a taste of autumn in every bite!

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