Delicious Pecans

Most people think of pecans in the fall as pecan pies start to appear for holiday meals but with their rich, buttery flavor, pecans are perfect year around in savory as well as sweet dishes.  Here on the farm, a meal rarely passes that does not include pecans.  Of course we bake pecan pies, but we also sprinkle pecans on our morning oatmeal and add them to our salads for a healthy crunch.  We use them as breading on baked chicken and have even made our own pecan butter.

Obviously we love our pecans, but they are so nutritious that we think they really should be part of every meal.  Pecans are an excellent source of plant-based protein.  Pecans are high in fiber and pack an antioxidant punch with high levels of plant sterols and flavonoids.  High in mono-unsaturated fats, pecans have been shown to have a positive effect on blood LDL cholesterol levels with pecans are part of a heart healthy diet. Pecans are high in zinc, manganese and potassium which are all important minerals for bone and immune system health.  Finding creative ways to add pecans to more meals is always a good idea.

To keep your pecans fresh and sweet, they are best stored in an airtight container in the freezer or refrigerator.  Frozen, they will maintain their goodness for up to 24 months and in refrigeration, up to 12 months.  The cool storage helps keep the nutritious oils at their best.  Pecans can be thawed and refrozen without any loss of quality.

From time to time, we will share some of our favorite pecan recipes.  If you have a favorite recipe or a unique way of using Del Valle pecans, please let us know.  We would love to try it and share it with other folks who love our pecans.