About Pecans

Pecans and Storage

Pecans are perishable because of their high oil content and they must be stored properly to maintain good quality.

To keep your pecans fresh all year:

At home, unshelled pecans can be stored in a cool, dry place for three to six months. Shelled pecans need to be either refrigerated in airtight containers for up to nine months, or frozen in zipper locked freezer bags for up to two years.
Pecans can be frozen and refrozen for at least two years without loss of flavor or texture.

Pecans and Health 

The verdict is in! Numerous research studies have shown that eating pecans on a regular basis, in moderation, can have many positive influences on your health.

Eat pecans every day for better health!

Why are pecans so good for you?

 Here’s why:

• Pecans have the highest antioxidant content of any nut…
  • Antioxidants are phytochemicals, vitamins and other nutrients that protect our cells from damage. Pecans rank highest among nuts in antioxidant content and, more importantly, are in the top category of all foods that contain the highest antioxidant capacity. Eating just a handful of pecans each day may slow or possibly prevent the development of cancer, may decrease the risk of neurological disease such as Alzheimer’s and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and may help prevent coronary heart disease. See the list of pecan health studies for more detailed information.
• Pecans are heart healthy…
  • Several research studies have confirmed that eating pecans on a regular basis may help prevent coronary heart disease. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following qualified health claim:“Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as pecans, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.“ Ninety percent of the fat in pecans is heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
• Pecans can help lower cholesterol…
  • Research has shown that a pecan-enriched diet can lower cholesterol, and specifically “bad” cholesterol, more than the American Heart Association’s Step 1 Diet! The plant sterols in pecans are touted for their cholesterol-lowering ability. Pecans are cholesterol-free, sodium-free and fiber-rich. See the Loma Linda University pecan study published in The Journal of Nutrition for more information.

• Pecans are nutrient dense, high in fiber and high in protein…

  • Pecans are packed full of good nutrition and a serving of pecans (one ounce or about 20 halves) has as much fiber as a small apple. Pecans are also a good source of plant protein, heart healthy phytochemicals, Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, thiamin, magnesium, zinc, and numerous other vitamins and minerals. See complete composition under Pecan Nutrition Facts.

• Pecans are packed full of good nutrition and a serving of pecans (one ounce or about 20 halves) has as much fiber as a small apple. Pecans are also a good source of plant protein, heart healthy phytochemicals, Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, thiamin, magnesium, zinc, and numerous other vitamins and minerals. See complete composition under Pecan Nutrition Facts.

• Pecans may help with weight control…
  • Adding pecans to your diet does not necessarily mean weight gain! In fact, one review of nut research suggests that eating nuts may help with weight loss and maintenance. When combined with a healthy diet, nuts may help increase metabolism and enhance satiety. Weight loss regimens that include nuts such as pecans resulted in improved diet compliance and greater weight loss, according to research reviews.