Pecans

1. Pecans A Georgia Commodity The only major tree nut that grows naturally in North America. Dr. Frank Flanders and Asha Wise August 2006

2. Objectives • Rank the nut industry compared to other Georgia agricultural commodities. • Explain how pecan trees are produced. Students will be able to: • Explain the importance of pecans to Georgia. • State the nutritional facts of pecans.

3. Why are pecans important? • Georgia is the nation's largest supplier of pecans and has been since the late 1800s. • An average pecan harvest is about 100 million pounds. That is enough pecans to make 176 million pecan pies! • The state's major pecan producing region is near Albany, in southwest Georgia. There are large and small orchards from Atlanta southward. • The peak harvesting months for Georgia pecans are October – December.

4. Production of Pecan Trees • Commercial pecan trees are grafted. ~ A twig from a high producing tree is made to grow on the root stock of another tree. ~The first successfully grafted and cultivated pecan was done by a Louisiana slave named Antoine in 1846. • Pecan trees that are grown from seed and not grafted are called seedlings. ~ Seedling trees generally are low producing and have smaller nuts with a higher oil content.

5. Uses and Nutrition of the Pecan • Often associated with pie and pralines, they can be found in a variety of recipes, from cookies and desserts to salads and main dishes. • Pecans can be stored in the freezer for up to two years. • Nutrition Facts: • A high fat content but a good source of: potassium, thiamine, zinc, copper, magnesium, phosphorous, niacin, folic acid, iron, vitamin B6 and fiber. • Also contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat believed to help in the prevention of heart disease.

6. Georgia’s Commodity Value

7. Interesting Facts • The name "pecan" is a Native American word of Algonquin origin that was used to describe "all nuts requiring a stone to crack." • There are over 500 varieties of pecans, of which only three are common: Georgia produces all three varieties. ~ One variety found in Georgia is the Sumner Pecan. Which was discovered in 1932 in Tift County by Walter E. Sumner and is primarily found in southeast Georgia. • One irrigated and managed acre of pecan trees will produce 1,000 pounds of pecans.

8. Interesting Facts • There are about 78 pecans used in every pecan pie. • Pecan trees, are a member of the hickory family and are prized for their lumber. • Georgia pecan wood was selected to make the handles of the torches for the 1996 Olympic Games. • Today, the pecan industry contributes $80 million annually to Georgia’s economy.

9. Assessment • What state has been the largest producer of pecans since the late 1800s? • What city is the major site of pecan production? • When is the peak harvesting season for pecans? • How many pecans can an acre yield? • Where did the name “pecan” originate? • What pecan variety was discovered in Tift County? • What is a seedling? • Name one nutrient that pecans are a good source of. • Fruits, tree nuts and berries rank ____ in value of GA commodities. • What is the amount of the average pecan harvest?

10. Assessment Key • Georgia • Albany, Georgia • The peak harvesting season for pecans is October – December. • 1,000 pounds of pecans • The name “pecan” originated from the Native American word Algonquin origin that was used to describe “all nuts requiring a stone to crack.” • Sumner Pecans • A seedling is a pecan tree that was grown from seed and not grafted. • Potassium, thiamine, zinc, copper, magnesium, phosphorous, niacin, folic acid, iron, vitamin B6 and fiber. • 8th • 100 million pounds

11. References http://www.georgiapecans.org